Former NFL Defensive Lineman Josh Mauro Dies at 35
The NFL community is mourning the loss of former defensive lineman Josh Mauro, who has passed away at the age of 35. The news was shared by his family on Tuesday, April 28, following his death on Thursday, April 23.
Mauro’s father, Greg, announced the loss through a social media post on Facebook, describing the heartbreak of the family whereas expressing faith in his son’s peace.
“With many tears and a broken heart, but holding fast to the unshakable certainty that our beloved Josh Mauro is now healed and renewed—living in the presence of the Lord—we humbly ask for your prayers as our family endures the devastating loss of our wonderful son, brother, uncle, grandson, and friend. On Thursday, April 23, Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and took his first breath in heaven. The Lord has been our strength in this unimaginable time. Your prayers that we may continue to have strength and comfort signify more to us than words could ever express,” wrote Greg Mauro.
While the news has sent shockwaves through the organizations Mauro represented throughout his career, the cause of death remains unknown.
NFL Teams Pay Tribute
Several franchises where Mauro spent his professional career released statements expressing their condolences. The Arizona Cardinals, where Mauro spent the majority of his tenure, shared a message of support for the family.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Josh Mauro’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and all those who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to all who mourn this loss,” the Cardinals stated.
The Las Vegas Raiders also issued a brief statement acknowledging the loss of the former defensive conclude.
“The deepest condolences of the Raiders Family are with Josh’s family and friends at this time,” the team wrote.
A Career Built on Perseverance
Josh Mauro’s path to the NFL was not a traditional one. After going undrafted in 2014, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He spent his rookie season navigating the challenging environment of the practice squad, splitting time between the Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals.
For those unfamiliar with the NFL’s roster structure, the practice squad serves as a developmental bridge, where players train with the team but are not on the active 53-man roster. Mauro’s ability to transition from that role to a consistent contributor is a testament to his work ethic.
Over the course of eight seasons, Mauro became a reliable presence on the defensive line. He played four seasons with the Cardinals, followed by stints with the New York Giants and the Raiders, before returning to the Cardinals for two more seasons. He last played in the NFL in 2021.
Throughout his professional journey, Mauro appeared in 80 games, earning 40 starts. His career statistics highlight his role as a disruptive force in the trenches:
- Total Tackles: 130
- Sacks: 5
- Quarterback Hits: 13
- Passes Defensed: 5
- Forced Fumbles: 2
Mauro’s career spanned multiple cities and organizations, including time spent with the Cardinals, Raiders, Giants, and Jaguars, leaving a mark on every locker room he entered.
The football world continues to process this sudden loss of a player who embodied the “grind” of the professional game—starting as an undrafted free agent and carving out a significant career through resilience and performance.
No further official updates regarding services or memorials have been released at this time.
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