The Las Vegas Raiders family is in mourning this week following the sudden and heartbreaking passing of former defensive end Josh Mauro. He was 35 years old. The news, confirmed by multiple outlets including ESPN and USA Today, was announced on April 23, 2026, and has sent a ripple of sorrow through the NFL community and especially among those who shared a locker room with Mauro during his lone season with the Silver and Black in 2019.
Mauro's death, confirmed by his family and widely reported by the Arizona Cardinals -- the team where he spent the majority of his career -- has prompted an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, coaches, and fans across the league. For the Raiders, the loss is deeply personal. Though Mauro's time with the organization was brief, his impact was unmistakable.
A Gritty Presence on the Defensive Line
Josh Mauro entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford in 2014, signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds, he possessed the length and power that made him a versatile piece along the defensive front. While he never became a star in terms of raw statistics, Mauro carved out a seven-year NFL career through sheer grit, intelligence, and selflessness -- qualities that endeared him to every coaching staff he played for.
After four seasons in Pittsburgh, Mauro joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, where he reunited with former Stanford defensive coordinator and then-Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians. That season, Mauro recorded a career-high 3.5 sacks and 40 tackles, proving he could be a reliable rotational edge-setter in a 3-4 scheme.
In 2019, Mauro signed with the Raiders. Under then-head coach Jon Gruden and defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, Mauro was expected to provide depth and leadership on a defensive line that included veterans like Maxx Crosby -- then a rookie -- and Clelin Ferrell. Mauro appeared in 10 games for Oakland that season, recording six tackles and a sack. Though his numbers were modest, those inside the building consistently praised his professionalism, work ethic, and willingness to do the dirty work that doesn't show up on the stat sheet.
A Teammate and Leader Remembered
Tributes from former Raiders teammates have surfaced across social media in the hours following the news. While the Raiders as an organization have since released an official statement expressing their condolences, the sentiment among those who played alongside Mauro is clear: he was a man of character, faith, and integrity.
Former Raiders offensive tackle Trent Brown, who played with Mauro in 2019, posted a simple but poignant message: "Rest easy, big fella. Prayers for your family."
Other players from around the league have shared similar sentiments. Cardinals safety Budda Baker, who played with Mauro in Arizona, called him "one of the best teammates I ever had." Those words echo what many have said about Mauro: he was the kind of player who made everyone around him better, not just through his play on the field, but through his presence in the locker room.
Mauro was also deeply involved in community outreach. During his time with the Cardinals, he was nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2018, recognizing his off-field contributions. He regularly participated in charity events, hospital visits, and youth football camps. His legacy extends well beyond the gridiron.
The Raiders Family Grieves
For the Raiders, losing a former player -- especially one as respected as Mauro -- is a stark reminder of the bonds that transcend the game. NFL locker rooms are unique brotherhoods, forged through shared sacrifice and physical adversity. When a member of that brotherhood passes away, it hits hard.
Though Mauro's last NFL season was in 2020 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, his connection to the Raiders remained. Many players who were in Oakland during the 2019 season have since moved on to other teams or retired, but the memories of that transitional year -- the last season before the franchise moved to Las Vegas -- carry weight. Mauro was part of that pivotal moment in Raiders history.
The team's current roster includes several players who never shared a field with Mauro, but the organization's culture of family means that loss is felt at every level. General Manager John Spytek and Head Coach Klint Kubiak expressed their condolences privately, emphasizing the importance of honoring the legacy of players who contributed to the franchise's rich history.
A Life Cut Short, But Not Forgotten
Details surrounding Mauro's cause of death have not been released publicly, and at the request of his family, many outlets are respecting their privacy during this difficult time. What is known is that Mauro leaves behind a wife and children, as well as a network of former teammates, coaches, and fans who are heartbroken by the news.
His journey from undrafted free agent to a seven-year NFL veteran is a testament to perseverance. At Stanford, Mauro was a two-time All-Pac-12 honorable mention and a key part of a defense that produced multiple NFL players. His football IQ and physicality made him a coach's dream -- the kind of player who could be trusted to set the edge on first down, drop into coverage on second, and rush the passer on third.
In a league where the average career length is just over three years, Mauro's seven-year tenure speaks volumes about his ability to adapt and contribute. He played for four different franchises -- Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars -- but he left a lasting impression on each one.
A Final Tribute
As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season and the NFL community continues to process this tragic loss, it's worth pausing to remember the human side of the game. Josh Mauro was more than a football player. He was a husband, a father, a son, a friend, and a man of deep faith. His passing serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who seem larger than it.
For Raiders fans, the name Josh Mauro may not be one that immediately jumps to mind when recalling star players of the past. But in the fabric of any successful organization, it's the role players, the locker room leaders, and the unsung heroes who often leave the most profound mark. Josh Mauro was that kind of player.
The Silver and Black family sends its deepest condolences to the Mauro family, his friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Josh.
The team is expected to honor Mauro during a future home game at Allegiant Stadium, likely with a moment of silence or a tribute video. More details will be shared as the organization finalizes its plans.
For now, the football world mourns. And the Raiders mourn with them.
Author's Note: This article was informed by reports from ESPN, USA Today, the Arizona Cardinals, and statements from former teammates. No official cause of death has been released, and speculation is unwarranted at this time. Our thoughts remain with the Mauro family.