NFL defensive end Josh Mauro, whose career lasted for eight seasons, has passed away at the age of 35. 

While the news broke on 29 April, ESPN reported that Mauro’s family confirmed that he passed away last week. The cause or circumstances of his death were not shared.

Mauro played six seasons (eight in total), including the first four of his career, with the Cardinals. He also spent a year each with the New York Giants and the Oakland Raiders (now the Las Vegas Raiders)

His most successful season was 2016 with the Cardinals, when the DE played 15 games (starting in 13). He recorded 32 tackles, out of which eight were assisted, alongside seven tackles for losses.

All in all, Mauro played 80 games, starting 40. He recorded 130 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. He last played for the Cardinals in the 2021 season. 

As news of his passing surfaced, wishes from fans and former associates poured in all over social media, including Maxx Crosby and J.J. Watt.

The Football Community Mourns Mauro’s Untimely Passing

As news of the passing spread, the NFL community mourned the loss at such a young age and offered condolences to his family. Even NFL franchises reacted to the news.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Josh Mauro,” the Cardinals said in their statement in a 29 April Instagram post. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone grieving this loss.”

J.J. Watt, a three-time defensive player of the year (2012, 2014, and 2015), who was Mauro’s teammate in 2021, offered his condolences.

“We’re losing way too many, way too young. Rest in Peace Josh,” Watt posted on X.

Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, too, shared a video message.

“I'm sick to my stomach, to be honest. Josh, I love you, bro. I know you had my back since day one,” Crosby said.

Crosby played with the 6’5 DE in 2019 when the Las Vegas Raiders were the Oakland Raiders.

“You were the first and probably only vet to text me when I got drafted. We came from the same area in Texas, the DFW. Literally from right down the street from me,” one user said.

Fans also offered their thoughts and prayers to Mauro’s family. 

“Our deepest condolences to this tragic loss to his family, our team, your brother and the Raider Nation,” one wrote under Crosby’s X post. 

Another Raiders fan followed up with a similar sentiment.

“Condolences to his family & everyone in #RaiderNation. Once a Raider, always a Raider R.I.P,” the comment read.

“It was such a pleasure to cover him and always the kindest, most respectful man! This gutted me,” wrote Lisa Charisse Matthews, a former Cardinals reporter.

Under the Cardinals’ Instagram post, one comment praised Mauro for the person he was.

“This was our neighbor, he was a very nice guy!” 

The numbers only tell part of the story, but what Josh Mauro leaves behind is far greater than stats. At just 35, his loss has shaken the football world, a reminder of how fleeting the game is.

Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote