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Former Cardinals' defensive lineman Josh Mauro's cause of death has been revealed

The Arizona Cardinals have been busy this offseason, as they have made changes from top to bottom after enduring a miserable 2025 campaign. At this point, the Cardinals are rebuilding, and it seems like they are going to use the upcoming 2026 season as a bridge year of sorts.

At the end of April, Arizona received some crushing news regarding one of its former defensive linemen, Josh Mauro, as he tragically died at the age of 35. Mauro’s death was initially classified as accidental, and a few weeks later, the team and its fans received a crushing update regarding his cause of death.

Josh Mauro’s Cause of Death, Revealed

Mauro didn’t hear his name called in the 2014 NFL Draft, but he managed to find a way to latch on with the Cardinals and immediately carve out a role for himself. Eventually, Mauro became a starter for the team in 2016, which was his best season in the pros, as he picked up 32 tackles and one pass breakup over 15 games of action.

After spending the first four years of his career with Arizona, Mauro would spend one season with the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders, respectively, before returning to the Cardinals for the final two years of his career. Mauro ended up retiring after the 2021 campaign, having spent eight years in the pros as a valuable run defender along the defensive line.

Late in April, reports emerged that Mauro had died at the age of 35, with very few other details surrounding his passing being revealed. Earlier this week, the official report on his death emerged, as it was revealed that his cause of death was an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol intoxication.

“Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro died from an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol intoxication, according to online records from the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner,” ESPN shared. “The report said Mauro died April 23 and classified the death as accidental. Mauro was 35.”

Cardinals Mourn Josh Mauro’s Sudden Death

GettyFormer Cardinals’ defensive lineman Josh Mauro’s cause of death has been revealed

Mauro was never the flashiest defensive lineman, as he only racked up five total sacks over the course of his career. However, he did a lot of the dirty work along the defensive line that opened things up for his teammates. Mauro’s work as a run defender was what made him such a valuable player during his peak, and it’s the main reason why the Cardinals kept him in town for the majority of his career.

Arizona has been mourning Mauro’s passing and providing his friends and family with whatever support they need. In the meantime, though, the team has a new season that it must continue to prepare for, even as it continues to remember Mauro and his impact on the franchise. The Cardinals have a lot of work to do when it comes to reemerging as a playoff contender, and that starts with getting their rebuild off on the right foot when they return to action in 2026.