Former Cardinals defensive end Josh Mauro dies at 35

Josh Mauro, the British-born defensive end who spent six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, died Thursday at 35, leaving behind a career built on reliability, versatility and quiet production. His father, Greg Mauro, announced the death, and no cause has been publicly disclosed.

The Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders and Mauro’s family all confirmed the news. The Cardinals said, “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Josh Mauro,” while the Raiders said they were mourning his loss and sent condolences to his family and friends.

Mauro’s path to the NFL began far from Arizona. Born in England, he moved to Texas at age 3 and later became a standout at L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, outside Fort Worth. He went on to play four seasons at Stanford, then entered the professional ranks as an undrafted player in 2014 before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers and eventually finding a long home in Arizona.

Across eight NFL seasons from 2014 to 2021, Mauro played in 80 games and made 40 starts. He spent six seasons with the Cardinals across two separate stints, along with one season each with the New York Giants and the then-Oakland Raiders. His most productive year came in 2016, when he started 13 games for Arizona, appeared in 15, and finished with 32 tackles. He ended his career with five sacks.

Former Cardinals executive and teammate Adrian Wilson remembered Mauro as dependable and always ready to go, a reputation that fit the role he held for much of his career. Mauro was not the loudest name on the roster, but his coaches and teammates valued him for being available, prepared and steady in the trenches.

The reaction from around the league reflected that respect. J.J. Watt, another former Cardinals teammate, wrote, “We’re losing way too many, way too young. Rest in Peace Josh.” For a player whose value often showed up in snaps rather than headlines, the response underscored how deeply Mauro was regarded in locker rooms and front offices alike.