The NFL is mourning defensive lineman Josh Mauro, an eight-year veteran whose family has announced died last week.
Mauro, who played for the Cardinals, Giants and Raiders during his career, was 35 years old. No cause of death was revealed.
His father broke the news Tuesday in a post on Facebook.
“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,” Greg Mauro wrote on Facebook. “He breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven.”
What are his former teammates saying?
Several of Mauro’s former teammates and the clubs he represented posted tributes on social media.
The Arizona Cardinals posted condolences on social media site X, saying the team was “heartbroken” to learn of Mauro’s death, adding: “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him.”
Raiders superstar Maxx Crosby, who played with Mauro during the 2019 season while the franchise was still in Oakland, shared a video of himself speaking about his ex-teammate’s death.
“My guy, Josh Mauro, passed away recently,” Crosby said. “I love you bro and I wish I could have done more for you.”
Adrian Wilson, one of the Cardinals biggest stars during Mauro’s time with the team, shared his respect for his former teammate.
“Prayers go out to Josh Mauro and his family. Had the opportunity to be around Josh for several years with BA. Always in shape, always was ready to go wherever he got that call. One of the things I respected most about him. You could depend on him.”
Did Josh Mauro have a good NFL career?
Mauro was born in St. Albans, near London, England, and moved at age three to Texas, where he grew up and played high school football.
He played his college ball at Stanford before going undrafted and then later signing with the Arizona Cardinals in 2014.
He would play six total seasons with the Cards, as well as one each for the Giants and Raiders.
In all, Mauro played 80 games in the NFL, including 40 starts. He recorded 130 tackles and had five sacks.