Cause of death for Josh Mauro revealed after former NFL player dies at 35

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Cause of death for Josh Mauro revealed after former NFL player dies at 35

Josh Peter, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Thu, May 28, 2026 ·

1 min read

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Former NFL player Josh Mauro died from "acute combined fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol intoxication'' and the death was ruled accidental, according to a report from the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner in Phoenix, Arizona that was obtained by USA TODAY Sports.

Mauro was 35 when his death was reported to the Office of the Medical Examiner on April 23 by law enforcement.

A toxicology report discovered the presence of drugs in his body.

Mauro, who played defensive end during his NFL career, had a history of cocaine and alcohol abuse and was found unresponsive "after reportedly binge using cocaine and drinking at home," the report states. "Emergency personnel responded and death was pronounced at the scene.''

No foul play is suspected, according to the report.

Mauro spent the majority of his eight NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals . He spent the first four seasons of his career (2014-17) with the Cardinals and was part of the team that reached the 2015 NFC championship game.

He also spent time with the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders .

Mauro was born in England, grew up in Texas, and attended Stanford. He played at Stanford from 2010 to 2013 and was not selected in the 2014 draft but later that year signed with the Cardinals.