NFL Community Mourns Loss of Former New York Giants Josh Mauro and Bill Swain

The New York Giants community is grieving the loss of two former players, defensive conclude Josh Mauro and linebacker Bill Swain, marking a somber moment for the franchise’s history across different eras of the game.

Josh Mauro, a versatile defensive lineman who spent eight seasons in the NFL, has passed away at the age of 35. The news was shared by his father, Greg Mauro, in a Facebook post, where he described the devastating loss of an “amazing son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend.” While the family asked for prayers during their time of mourning, a specific cause of death for Mauro has not been announced.

In a separate and equally poignant loss, the organization learned of the passing of Bill Swain, a linebacker who played for the Giants from 1965 to 1967. Swain passed away at age 85 after what his obituary in the Palm Beach Post described as a “long and courageous battle with dementia associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).”

The Career of Josh Mauro: From Stanford to the NFL

Born in England and a standout athlete at Stanford University, Josh Mauro entered the professional ranks as a 6-foot-6, 290-pound defensive end. His journey in the NFL began in 2014 when he signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mauro’s career was defined by resilience and adaptability, as he carved out a significant role over eight seasons. Before his time in New York, he played for the Arizona Cardinals, the Oakland Raiders, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. His ability to contribute across multiple rosters highlighted his value as a dependable rotational piece on the defensive line.

For those unfamiliar with the “undrafted free agent” path, it is one of the most difficult climbs in professional sports. These players are not selected in the NFL Draft and must fight for every snap during training camp, often facing steeper odds than high-draft picks to secure a permanent roster spot. Mauro’s eight-year tenure is a testament to his work ethic and physical talent.

Impact with the New York Giants

Mauro joined the New York Giants in 2018 for a single season. During that tenure, he appeared in 12 games and earned four starts. He recorded 28 tackles, including four tackles for loss and one sack, providing a steady presence in the Giants’ defensive rotation.

A Brother in Arms: Maxx Crosby’s Emotional Tribute

The impact of Mauro’s passing resonated deeply with former teammates, most notably Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. Crosby and Mauro were teammates briefly with the Oakland Raiders in 2018 before Mauro was released.

In a social media video shared on Wednesday, Crosby was visibly emotional, stating he was “sick to my stomach” over the news. Crosby revealed that while they had fallen out of contact as their lives moved in different directions, Mauro had played a pivotal role in Crosby’s early professional life.

“You were the first and probably only vet to text me when I got drafted [in 2019],” Crosby said, reflecting on the support he received from Mauro. “I love you bro and I know you had my back since day one.”

Crosby also noted a personal connection to Mauro, mentioning that they both came from the same area in Texas, a region where Crosby had admired Mauro from afar long before they became teammates.

Remembering Bill Swain and the Legacy of the 1960s

While the loss of Mauro is a tragedy of youth, the passing of Bill Swain closes a chapter on the Giants’ mid-century history. Swain entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon in 1963.

He played 28 games for “Big Blue” between 1965 and 1967, contributing to the defensive unit during a transitional era for the league. Beyond his time in New York, Swain also had stints with the Detroit Lions, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Los Angeles Rams.

The mention of CTE in Swain’s obituary brings a stark reminder of the long-term health challenges faced by players from previous generations. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disease found in people with a history of repetitive head trauma, a topic that has become central to NFL safety discussions and rule changes in the modern era.

Summary of Player Contributions

The contrast between these two players—one a modern athlete and the other a veteran of the 1960s—underscores the enduring bond shared by those who have worn the Giants’ uniform.

The NFL community continues to process these losses, with teammates and fans alike remembering Mauro for his kindness and mentorship, and Swain for his courage and longevity in the sport.

As of now, Notice no scheduled public memorials announced for either player. Updates regarding services or official tributes from the New York Giants organization are expected as the family’s wishes are communicated.

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