British-born NFL star dies aged 35 as family mourn 'devastating loss'

Lewis Henderson
Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:46:06 +0000

British-born NFL star Josh Mauro has died at the age of 35.

Mauro spent three years with the Arizona Cardinals before transferring to the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He played as a defensive end and also college football for the Stanford Cardinal.

Mauro was born in St Albans while his father was stationed in England for work.

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When Mauro was three, his family moved back to the United States, where he grew up in Texas.

His father, Greg, announced the news of his passing on social media.

His message read: "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.

"On Thursday, April 23, Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven."

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Two of Mauro's former teams, the Cardinals and the Raiders, have paid tribute to their former player.

The Cardinals said in a statement: "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Josh Mauro.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all who knew him.

"We extend our deepest condolences to everyone grieving this loss."

Former Cardinals player and executive Adrian Wilson said: "I had the opportunity to be around Josh for several years with [coach Bruce Arians].

"[Josh was] always in shape, always ready to go wherever he got that call. One of the things I respected most about him, you could depend on him."

He went undrafted but played eight years in the NFL, spending two spells with the Cardinals.

Mauro concluded his career with 150 tackles and five sacks over 80 games.

Speaking in 2017 when he returned to the UK to play with the Cardinals in London, Mauro wrote: "Every Sunday when I take the field I appreciate it.

"I am grateful, and I embrace it. It's a blessing to be out there. This game has been wonderful to me."