The sports world is mourning the sudden loss of former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro, who passed away at the age of 35 on April 23.
His death has triggered an emotional wave of tributes from fans, teammates, and loved ones who remembered him not only for his contributions on the field but also for his character off it. News of his passing spread quickly, leaving many in the football community reflecting on his journey through the professional ranks.
Mauro’s father, Greg, shared the heartbreaking announcement on April 28 through a Facebook post. The message captured the family’s profound grief while also expressing a deep sense of faith and hope.
In the announcement, Greg wrote, “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. On Thursday, April 23rd, Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven.”
Greg continued in the post, “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.”
The family’s words highlighted both the pain of their loss and their reliance on spiritual support during this difficult period. As of now, no official cause of death has been disclosed, leaving many questions unanswered while the focus remains on honoring Mauro’s life.
Those closest to Mauro also shared personal sentiments in the wake of the news. His girlfriend, Linzay Crawford, posted a simple yet touching message on her Facebook account: “I know you’re finally at peace.”
Her words reflected a sense of comfort in knowing he was no longer suffering, resonating with many who followed the story.
Throughout his NFL career, Mauro made his mark as a reliable defensive player. He spent the majority of his eight professional seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, appearing in games from 2014 to 2017 and again in 2020 and 2021. His time with the Cardinals stood out as particularly memorable, showcasing his dedication and work ethic on a competitive team.
Mauro also gained experience with other franchises during his career. He played one season with the New York Giants in 2018 and another with the Oakland Raiders in 2019. These stints allowed him to adapt to different defensive schemes and contribute across various locker rooms in the league.
By the time he retired, Mauro had accumulated impressive career statistics. He recorded 130 tackles, including 87 solo stops, across 80 regular-season games. Additionally, he forced two fumbles and defended five passes, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses in meaningful ways.
One of the highlights of Mauro’s professional tenure came in 2015 with the Arizona Cardinals. That postseason, he started two playoff games as the team advanced all the way to the NFC Championship. His participation in those crucial contests underscored his value to the squad during a strong campaign.
Before reaching the NFL, Mauro built a solid foundation at the collegiate level. He played for Stanford University, where he earned recognition for his performance on the field. In 2013, he received All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors and was selected to participate in the East-West Shrine Game, an opportunity that often spotlights promising talent heading toward professional opportunities.
As the football community continues to process this loss, the tributes pouring in serve as a testament to the impact Mauro had during his time in the game. Friends, former teammates, and fans alike are remembering a player who brought determination and resilience to every practice and matchup.
Though his time on earth ended too soon, the memories of his journey—from college standout to NFL contributor—will endure.
