On April 23, 2026, the Phoenix Police Department responded to a call at a residence in Arizona, where they found the body of 35-year-old former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro. Unfortunately he was pronounced dead at the scene. The sudden passing of a relatively young former player did raise eyebrows, but the police mentioned that there were no signs of foul play. Now weeks after that, the official reason behind Mauro’s death has been revealed.

As per records accessed by the California Post, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner found that Mauro’s death was due to acute combined fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol intoxication. Authorities have ruled this an accident.

Fentanyl is a morphine-like opioid that’s predominantly used as a painkiller, but it also slows down the breathing. Meanwhile, cocaine induces cardiac stress in the body, and alcohol is a well-known nervous system depressant. When the three are taken together, the body loses consciousness and cannot protect the airway, and it ultimately ends up being fatal. Sadly, this tragic accident is something NFL has seen already, involving another player. 

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Back in 2022, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson also died from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, with medical examiners ruling his death accidental as well. That being said, this news is heartbreaking for the Mauro family, who shared a rather emotional statement shortly after his passing was confirmed.

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“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,” his father, Greg Mauro, shared on Facebook.

And honestly, that’s what makes the entire situation so tough to process for many around football. Mauro was not just another former NFL player; he was someone who genuinely made his career through hard work and through consistency. And his path to the NFL was never conventional.

He was born in St. Albans, England, while his father was stationed there for his work. Mauro moved to Texas and then eventually became a standout high school player before earning his way to Stanford University. This is where he became a two-time Pac-12 champion and Rose Bowl champion. Even after going undrafted in 2014, Mauro still found a way into the NFL, and he spent most of his career, which is around six years, with the Arizona Cardinals.

With the Cardinals his standout year was in 2016. Mauro hauled in 32 total tackles, 3 quarterback hits, and 1 pass defended. This was also the most active year in his career, having played in 15 games and started in 13. The Cardinals took to social media as well to honor the late DE, “heartbroken” at his passing.

Mauro also spent one year each with the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders. He eventually returned to Arizona, where he played his last two seasons. Overall, Mauro recorded 130 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and five passes defended. The numbers were solid, but people around the league often respected him more for the role he played behind the scenes.

At one point during his Cardinals years, Mauro explained that mentality himself. “It’s bigger than you making plays, it’s bigger than getting your name called, and it’s bigger than the newspaper having your numbers.”

And in many ways, that quote sums him up perfectly. After the news of his passing, the Cardinals shared that they were simply “heartbroken” over losing their former player. And around the league too, former teammates and friends were shocked, heartbroken, and paid tribute to their fallen brother. One among them is Maxx Crosby, who had gone rather close to Mauro during their time together with the Raiders.

Maxx Crosby gets emotional over Josh Mauro’s passing

“I can’t believe I have to do this right now,” Maxx Crosby said in a social media video, remembering his friend. “I’m sick to my stomach, to be honest. But 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.” 

Crosby has known Mauro since before the former began his NFL career. The DE noted Mauro was somebody he looked up to while growing up, since they were both Texas natives. But Mauro held a special place in Crosby’s heart for one massive reason.

“Sometimes you don’t talk as much, and everybody’s got their own s–t going on, and you could lose contact at times — but I’ll say this man, Josh, I love you, bro, and I know you had my back since day one,” Crosby continued. “You were the first and probably only vet to text me when I got drafted.

“We all have our battles, man, and you never know what people are going through. I wish I could just talk to you one more time. It f–king breaks my heart. I love you though, bro. … Rest in peace.”

Mauro’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a respected NFL veteran is proof of his unbreakable spirit. And while the accidental death is heart-wrenching, the gridiron will deeply miss his presence.