Josh Mauro, a 6-foot-6, 290-pound defensive lineman who played eight seasons in the NFL, died April 23 from an acute combined overdose of fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol, according to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, which ruled his death accidental [1, 2]. Mauro was 35.
Born in England where his father was stationed, Mauro moved to Texas for high school before playing college football at Stanford. He entered the NFL in 2014 as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers but being cut before the season began [2].
Mauro spent most of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, totaling six seasons with the team. He also had stints with the New York Giants and the then-Oakland Raiders [1, 2]. During his peak 2016 season with Arizona, he played 15 games and started 13, recording 32 tackles according to one source or 7 tackles for loss according to another [1, 2]. Over his career, Mauro appeared in 80 games with 40 starts, collecting five sacks, 130 combined tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 5 passes defended during his NFL tenure [1, 2].
The Arizona Cardinals issued a statement on April 28 expressing heartbreak and condolences to Mauro’s family, friends, and fans. "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Josh Mauro," the team said [1].
Josh’s father, Greg Mauro, announced his son’s death on Facebook, writing about the family’s grief and faith. "With many tears and broken hearts, yet anchored in the unshakable certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new – live in the presence of the Lord – we humbly covet your prayers," he said [2].
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s report provides the factual cause of death, closing the investigation into Mauro’s passing. The Cardinals and family continue to mourn the loss of the former athlete.
