Maricopa Medical Examiner confirms accidental overdose in death of former NFL player Josh Mauro
Official records reveal the cause of death was a combined overdose of cocaine, fentanyl, and ethanol, ending a career that spanned eight seasons across three teams.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office has officially determined that former Arizona Cardinals defensive end Josh Mauro died from an accidental combined overdose of cocaine, fentanyl, and ethanol intoxication. The findings, released through online records and reported by The Athletic, clarify the circumstances surrounding Mauro’s death on April 23 at the age of 35.
While the date of passing was established earlier, the specific cause of death was not immediately reported to the public. The medical examiner’s classification of the death as accidental distinguishes the ruling from other potential causes, providing a definitive conclusion to the inquiry into the eight-year NFL veteran’s final days.
Mauro’s professional career was anchored by his time with the Arizona Cardinals, where he played for six seasons across two stints. His tenure with the organisation spanned from 2014 to 2017 and again from 2020 to 2021, marking his final year in the league. During the 2015 season, he was a pivotal figure in the Cardinals’ defence, starting 13 of 16 regular-season games and both postseason matches as the team advanced to the NFC Championship.
Before establishing himself in Arizona, Mauro’s path to the NFL began after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. He initially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, spending the start of that season on their practice squad before being signed by the Cardinals. Over his career with Arizona, he recorded 83 tackles, including 13 for a loss, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive structure.
Mauro’s career also included brief tenures with the New York Giants and the Oakland Raiders. He played one season with the Giants, where he reunited with defensive coordinator James Bettcher, who had previously coached him in Arizona. Following his time in New York, Mauro spent one season with the Raiders before returning to the Cardinals for his final two years. A product of Stanford University, Mauro’s journey from an undrafted free agent to a starter in the NFC Championship game highlights his resilience within the league.
