Former NFL Player Josh Mauro Dies from Accidental Drug Overdose
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner confirmed that former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro died at age 35 from an accidental drug overdose. The cause of death was acute combined intoxication involving fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. Phoenix police found no signs of foul play at his Arizona residence on April 23. Mauro, a Stanford alumnus, played eight seasons for teams including the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders. His passing has prompted tributes from former teammates and organizations, highlighting the tragedy of substance abuse among athletes.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Medical Examiner Rules Josh Mauro's Death Accidental Due to Drug Intoxication
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner, Dr. Jeffrey Johnston, has released findings regarding the death of former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Josh Mauro, who passed away at age 35 in Tempe, Arizona. The report classifies Mauro's death as accidental, attributing it to an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol intoxication. Mauro died on April 23, 2026, at his home. The Arizona Cardinals issued a statement expressing heartbreak and extending condolences to his family and friends. Mauro, a Stanford alum, went undrafted in 2014 but played six seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Cardinals, as well as stints with the Giants, Raiders, and Jaguars. Over his career, he appeared in 80 games with 40 starts, recording five sacks and 130 tackles. His best season was 2016 with the Cardinals. The article also notes that Mauro served a five-game suspension in 2020 for violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy. This report provides closure on the circumstances surrounding the untimely death of the former professional athlete.
yahoo sportsFormer NFL Player Josh Mauro's Cause of Death Revealed as Accidental Overdose
The cause of death for former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro has been officially revealed as an accidental overdose involving an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed these findings in records obtained by local media outlets. Mauro, who was 35 years old, was found unresponsive at his home in Arizona on April 23, 2026. His family publicly announced his passing on April 28, expressing their grief while finding comfort in their faith. Mauro played six seasons with the Arizona Cardinals after graduating from Stanford in 2013, followed by stints with the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Over his eight-year career, he appeared in 80 games, recording 130 tackles and five sacks. Following the announcement, the Arizona Cardinals and former colleagues, including sports podcaster Rudy Reyes, issued statements condoling his family and remembering Mauro as an outstanding person and athlete. The report highlights the tragic loss of a young professional athlete due to substance intoxication.
yahoo sportsEx-New York Giants DE Josh Mauro's Cause of Death Revealed as Accidental Overdose
Former New York Giants defensive end Josh Mauro died at the age of 35 from an accidental overdose, according to a confirmation by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office. The official cause of death was determined to be acute combined intoxication involving fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. Mauro was discovered deceased at his residence in Tempe, Arizona, on April 23, 2026. His father, Greg Mauro, issued a statement on Facebook expressing the family's profound grief while finding comfort in their faith, describing Josh as healed and living in the presence of the Lord. Mauro, a Stanford University graduate born in England, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and played eight seasons across multiple teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. During his tenure with the Giants in 2018, he recorded 28 tackles and one sack. Over his career, he appeared in 80 games, accumulating 5.0 sacks and 130 combined tackles. This report provides closure regarding the circumstances surrounding the sudden passing of the professional athlete.
yahoo sportsFormer Arizona Cardinals DL Josh Mauro Died of Accidental Drug Overdose
Former Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35 due to an accidental drug overdose, according to records from the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner. The official cause of death was determined to be a combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. Mauro, who passed away last month, had an eight-season career in the National Football League (NFL). He is best known for his three stints with the Arizona Cardinals, playing for the team from 2013 to 2017, and returning briefly in 2020 and 2021. Over the course of his professional career, Mauro appeared in 80 games, recording 130 tackles and five sacks. During his time specifically with the Cardinals, he started 29 of his 55 appearances, contributing significantly to the defense with four sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. The Arizona Cardinals organization released a statement expressing their sorrow upon learning of his passing. This report confirms the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of the former athlete, highlighting the lethal mix of substances involved in the accidental overdose.
yahoo sportsReport: Former NFL Player Josh Mauro Died of Accidental Drug Overdose
Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35, with authorities determining that his death was the result of an accidental drug overdose. According to reports citing the California Post, the official cause of death was identified as acute combined intoxication involving fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. Mauro, who played college football at Stanford University from 2010 to 2013, went undrafted in 2014 but established a solid professional career. He spent four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, followed by one season each with the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders. He returned to the Cardinals for the final two seasons of his career in 2020 and 2021. Over the course of his NFL tenure, Mauro appeared in 80 regular-season games, starting in 40 of them. This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issues surrounding substance abuse and accidental overdoses, even among professional athletes. The report provides a concise overview of his passing and summarizes his professional achievements and team affiliations during his time in the league.
yahoo sportsFormer NFL Player Josh Mauro Died from Accidental Overdose of Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Ethanol
Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35 from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol, according to records released by the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner. The report confirms that Mauro passed away on April 23, with the cause of death listed as acute intoxication from the combination of these substances. Mauro had a professional football career spanning eight seasons, during which he played for the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and the Oakland Raiders. He spent six of those seasons with the Cardinals, where he achieved his most productive year in 2016, starting 13 games and recording 32 tackles. A Stanford University alumnus, Mauro appeared in 80 total NFL games, starting 40, and recorded five career sacks before his final season in 2021. Following the news of his passing, the Arizona Cardinals issued a statement expressing their heartbreak and extending deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those grieving the loss. The incident highlights the ongoing issues surrounding substance abuse and accidental overdoses, even among professional athletes.
yahoo sportsFormer NFL Player Josh Mauro Died from Accidental Drug Overdose
Medical examiners in Arizona have determined that former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro died from an accidental drug overdose. According to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner, the 35-year-old's death was caused by acute combined intoxication from fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. The ruling classifies the incident as an accident. Mauro's father, Greg Mauro, previously announced his son's passing on social media, expressing the family's grief and faith. Mauro played eight seasons in the National Football League, representing the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent the majority of his career with the Cardinals after playing college football at Stanford University. Over the course of 80 games, he recorded five sacks and 130 tackles. The Arizona Cardinals organization paid tribute to Mauro following the announcement of his death. This report clarifies the circumstances surrounding the sudden loss of the former athlete, highlighting the specific substances involved in the fatal overdose.
Breitbart NewsFormer NFL Player Josh Mauro's Cause of Death Revealed as Accidental Overdose
Medical examiners in Arizona have officially determined the cause of death for former National Football League (NFL) defensive end Josh Mauro. According to reports cited by the New York Post and published by Breitbart, Mauro died from an accidental drug overdose. This finding concludes the investigation into the passing of the former professional athlete. Josh Mauro was known for his career in the NFL, playing as a defensive end. The revelation of the cause of death provides closure to the circumstances surrounding his demise, highlighting the ongoing issue of substance abuse risks even among professional athletes. The report serves as a confirmation of the medical examiner's findings, shifting the narrative from speculation to established fact regarding the nature of his death. No further details regarding the specific substances involved or the exact timeline of events were provided in this brief summary, but the classification of the death as accidental is the primary takeaway from the official determination.
Breitbart NewsFormer NFL Player Josh Mauro Died from Accidental Drug Overdose
Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro died from an accidental drug overdose, according to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner. Investigators determined that the 35-year-old former Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders player died from acute combined intoxication involving fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. The Phoenix Police Department responded to Mauro's Arizona residence on April 23 after reports of a dead body, finding no obvious signs of foul play. Mauro’s family had previously announced his passing with a heartfelt statement expressing their grief and faith. His death has deeply affected the NFL community, with former teammate Maxx Crosby sharing an emotional tribute, expressing regret and sorrow over the loss. Mauro played eight seasons in the league, recording five sacks and 130 tackles across 80 career games. The case status update, obtained by The California Post, confirms the accidental nature of the death, closing the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the former athlete's untimely demise.
New York PostFormer NFL Player Josh Mauro Died from Accidental Drug Overdose
Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro died from an accidental drug overdose, according to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner. Investigators preliminarily determined that the 35-year-old former Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders player died from acute combined intoxication involving fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. The Phoenix Police Department responded to Mauro's Arizona residence on April 23 after reports of a dead body, finding no obvious signs of foul play. Mauro’s family had previously announced his passing in a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief while finding comfort in their faith. His death has deeply affected the NFL community, with former teammate Maxx Crosby sharing an emotional tribute, expressing regret and sorrow over the loss. Mauro played eight seasons in the league, recording five sacks and 130 tackles across 80 career games. The case status update, obtained by The California Post, confirms the accidental nature of the death, closing a tragic chapter for the athlete who broke into the league in 2014.
New York Post