Former NFL star Josh Mauro’s cause of death revealed at just 35

FORMER NFL star Josh Mauro’s cause of death has been revealed after the ex-defensive end died aged just 35. Officials in Arizona say Mauro died from an accidental drug overdose involving fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Mauro’s death sent shock through the NFL Credit: Getty Medical examinations have revealed his cause of death Credit: Getty As per the New York Post, they report that according to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner the former New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals player died from “acute combined fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol intoxication.” The manner of death was ruled an accident. Mauro was found dead at his Arizona home on April 23 after Phoenix Police responded to reports of a body at the property. Cops said officers discovered the former NFL star unresponsive at the scene before he was pronounced dead. Police also confirmed there were “no obvious signs of foul play.” The heartbreaking news first emerged last month when Mauro’s family announced his death in an emotional statement. Mauro’s father Greg wrote: “With many tears and broken hearts, our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new.” The family described the former football star as an “amazing son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend.” Most read in Sport NFL important dates in 2026 Wed 9 Sept, 8:20 pm ET – Season opener (TBC at Seattle Seahawks) Thur 10 Sept, 8:35 pm ET – Australia game (San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams at Melbourne Cricket Ground) Thur 26 Nov – Thanksgiving day triple-header Sun 10 Jan 2027 – End of regular-season 16-31 Jan 2027 – Playoffs Sun 14 Feb 2027 – Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California Born in St Albans, England, Mauro moved to Texas as a young child before going on to become a standout football player at Stanford University. He entered the NFL in 2014 and carved out an eight-year career after signing as an undrafted free agent. Across 80 NFL games playing for the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars, he recorded 130 tackles and five sacks. His death stunned former teammates and fans across the NFL world, with Raiders star Maxx Crosby admitting the tragedy left him “sick to my stomach.” In an emotional video, Crosby said: “I love you, bro. I wish I could’ve done more for you.” Comment now