Josh Mauro, a former NFL player known for his time with the Arizona Cardinals, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 35 on April 23, 2026. Mauro, who was born in England and raised in Texas, played as a defensive lineman and had a notable career spanning eight seasons in the league.
Key statistics from Mauro’s career:
- Played in a total of 80 NFL games
- Recorded 130 tackles and 5 sacks
- Forced 2 fumbles during his career
- His most productive season was in 2016, where he played in 15 games and started in 13
Mauro spent the majority of his time with the Cardinals, having joined them initially in 2014 and returning for two additional seasons in 2020 and 2021. During his tenure with the team, he contributed to their run to the NFC Championship game in 2015. Following his time with Arizona, he also played for the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders.
The announcement of his death came from Mauro’s family via social media. They expressed profound grief over their loss, with Greg Mauro stating, “With many tears and broken hearts… we humbly covet your prayers as our family walks through the devastating loss of our amazing son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend.” This sentiment reflects not only personal loss but also an outpouring of support from the broader football community.
The Arizona Cardinals issued a statement expressing their condolences: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Josh Mauro. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him.” Similarly, Adrian Wilson and JJ Watt shared their sympathies on social media.
As the football world mourns this unexpected loss, many reflect on Mauro’s impact both on and off the field. His contributions to teams he played for remain part of his legacy.
