It has been revealed that almost a month on from his tragic death, former Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Josh Mauro died from an accidental drug overdose
05:20 ET, 18 May 2026
Josh Mauro passed away last month
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Josh Mauro passed away last month(Image: Getty)
Josh Mauro's tragic cause of death has been revealed, with it now confirmed that the former Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman passed away from an accidental drug overdose.
Last month, the 35-year-old's death was announced, with his family sharing a heartbreaking statement about his passing, which said Mauro, an eight-year NFL pro, had "breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven."
"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," the statement read.
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It has now also been revealed that Mauro died from a drug overdose, according to the California Post. The Post reports investigators have determined that Mauro passed away from "acute combined fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol intoxication."
They also deemed his death to have been an accident.
On April 23 at 12:20 p.m., the Phoenix Police Department was called to Mauro's residence in Arizona over a dead body that had been found at the property.
A spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department said: "When officers arrived they located an adult male, identified as 35-year-old Joshua Mauro, who was ultimately pronounced deceased on scene.
Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35
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Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35(Image: Getty)
"Detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation. At this time, there are no obvious signs of foul play."
Mauro made his way into the NFL as an undrafted free agent back in 2014, initially landing with the Pittsburgh Steelers before joining the Arizona Cardinals following final roster cuts.
He went on to spend three seasons with Arizona before playing for the New York Giants (2018), the Oakland Raiders (2019), and the Jacksonville Jaguars (2020). He then returned to the Cardinals during the 2020 season after Arizona picked him up from the Jaguars practice squad.
In 80 career games, Mauro recorded five sacks. His time with the Raiders also coincided with the drafting of Maxx Crosby, and the NFL superstar paid tribute to his former teammate following his passing last month.
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In a video, Crosby said: "My guy Josh Mauro just passed away recently.
“Damn, bro, I really don’t have words. I love you, bro, and I wish I could’ve done more for you. I wish I could’ve been there for you. It’s just tough man.
"You move on, you have guys that come and go out of the locker room, and sometimes you don't talk as much, and everybody's got their own s--- going on. You can lose contact at times, but I'll say this, man, Josh, I love you, bro. I know you had my back since day one. You were the first and probably only vet that texted me when I got drafted ... I cannot believe you're gone."