Former NFL Player Josh Mauro Dies from Overdose

Josh Mauro, a former NFL player, has died from a drug overdose, as reported by the California Post, referencing the Maricopa County coroner. The report indicates Mauro’s death resulted from “acute intoxication due to a combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol.”

While his death has been classified as an accident, further details emerged through sources. Mauro passed away on April 23rd, and the news was confirmed by his father, Greg Mauro, via a social media post.

In his message, Greg expressed the family’s grief and called for prayers as they cope with the loss, stating, “Through many tears and heartbreak, we humbly ask for your prayers as we live before the Lord, sustained by the unwavering certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and renewed.” He reflected on Josh’s passing, saying, “On Thursday, April 23rd, Josh took his last breath on earth and his first in heaven.”

Josh Mauro started his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent from Stanford University. Though he was briefly with the Pittsburgh Steelers, they released him before the season opened. He later found a place with the Arizona Cardinals, where he played four seasons, accumulating 83 tackles and four sacks across 55 games.

Over six seasons with the Cardinals, Mauro stepped into a starting position in 2016 and had a notable performance with seven tackles for a loss. After his stint with the Cardinals, he also played for the New York Giants and the now-Las Vegas Raiders, returning to the Cardinals for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Born in England while his father served there, Mauro eventually moved to Texas, where he built an impressive high school football career that led him to Stanford. In total, Mauro recorded five sacks and 130 tackles in his 80 career games.