Raiders Player Mourns Loss of Former Teammate Josh Mauro
Maxx Crosby, a defensive end for the Raiders, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of his former teammate, Josh Mauro, who died on April 23 at the age of 35.
The news was shared by Mauro’s father, Greg, through a post on Facebook, although the cause of death hasn’t been disclosed.
In a social media video, Crosby shared his heartbreak, describing the loss as “stomach-wrenching.” Mauro, who had an eight-year career in the NFL, was fondly remembered by his peers.
“Damn, I can’t believe we have to do this now,” Crosby started. “Honestly, I’m sick to my stomach. But my buddy Josh Mauro recently passed away. Damn, brother, I really have no words. I love you, brother. I wish I could have done more for you,” he reflected, emphasizing Mauro’s toughness.
Crosby noted that although they were briefly teammates with the Oakland Raiders in 2018, they lost touch as their paths diverged.
“Sometimes we don’t talk much, and we all have our own things. But I’ll say this, Josh, I love you and I know you’ve supported me since day one,” he continued. “When I was drafted, you were the first and probably the only veteran there for me.” He reminisced about their shared roots in Texas, stating, “I can’t believe you’re gone. I really can’t.”
Crosby highlighted how Mauro used to stand up for him, even when he was not in the right. “We all have our battles, and we never know what people are going through. I wish we could have talked one more time,” he expressed sorrowfully. “You were a hilarious and wonderful human being. Rest in peace.”
Additionally, Crosby mentioned that they lived in the same building and often commuted together to work in Oakland.
He concluded his emotional post with a heartfelt message: “Rest in peace my brother Josh Mauro… loving my family forever,” accompanied by a sad face and dove emoji.
Greg Mauro’s Facebook announcement shared the family’s grief. “With many tears and heartbreak, we humbly ask for your prayers as our family experiences this devastating loss,” he wrote, emphasizing their faith that Josh is now “healed, renewed and alive in the presence of the Lord.”
He also shared that Joshua took his last breath on earth on April 23, and they were finding strength in their faith during this challenging time.
Mauro, who went undrafted from Stanford University in 2014, had a notable four-season stint with the Arizona Cardinals, including a run to the NFC Championship Game in 2015. In 2018, he played 12 games for the Giants before spending time with the Raiders in 2019 and the Jaguars in 2020, eventually returning to the Cardinals.
The Cardinals issued a statement expressing their sadness over Mauro’s passing, extending condolences to his family and friends. The Raiders also mourned his loss, acknowledging his time with the team and reminding fans of his contributions, which included 130 career tackles and five sacks.
