Former Cardinals Star Dead at 35 — What We Know So Far

Arizona Cardinals helmet (Photo via Imagn Images)

Former Cardinals Star Dead at 35 — What We Know So Far

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Lou Flavius | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 6:12 PM ET

Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end and eight-year NFL veteran Josh Mauro has reportedly passed away at the age of 35.

While no major news outlets have published such reports, a statement has gone into circulation on social media. The statement, said to be from Mauro’s family, claims he passed away last Thursday

“With many tears and broken hearts, yet anchored in the unshakable certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new-living in the presence of the Lord-we humbly covet your prayers as our family walks through the devastating loss of our amazing son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend,” it reads.

“On Thursday, April 23rd, Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven, the statement continues.

“The Lord has been our strength in this unimaginable moment. Your prayers for continued strength and comfort mean more to us than words could ever express.”

Josh Mauro Had A Tumultuous NFL Career

Arizona Cardinals defensive end Josh Mauro (69) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Photo via Imagn Images)

Mauro played in the NFL for eight years. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2014 but released him during their final cuts.

The Cardinals later picked him up. He would play five games as a rookie, registering six tackles and a pass defended.

He made 14 appearances the following season, then started 13 of 15 games in 2016, recording 42 tackles, 13 for loss.

Mauro signed a two-year deal with the team in 2017. However, they released him in 2018.

He ended up back in Arizona in 2020 after stints with the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars.

The former Stanford star notably served a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances while with the Giants in 2018.

He served another suspension, this time for five games, in 2020 and was released after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The Cardinals brought him back, signing him off the Jags practice squad and handing him a debut in Week 9 of that season. He made a sack on Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in a 34-31 loss.

Unfortunately, the team placed him on the injured reserve a few weeks later. He was initially designated to return but was released and re-signed to their practice squad.

Details regarding his death are unknown at this point.

May he rest in peace.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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