Defensive end Josh Mauro, who played for three teams in eight NFL seasons, died April 23, his family announced April 28 on Facebook. He was 35.

“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,” his father, Greg, wrote on Facebook. “On Thursday, April 23rd, Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven.

“The Lord has been our strength in this unimaginable moment. Your prayers for continued strength and comfort mean more to us than words could ever express.”

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A native of St. Albans, UK, Mauro originally signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Stanford University in May 2014.

Mauro was released by the Steelers on Nov. 14, 2014 after beginning the season on their practice squad. He signed with the Cardinals that same day, and would appear in five games with Arizona that season, starting two.

That marked the beginning of an NFL career that saw Mauro play six of his eight seasons (2014-17, 2020-21) with the Cardinals. He also spent one season with the New York Giants (2018) and another with the Oakland Raiders (2019).

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Mauro retired with 130 tackles (87 solo) in 80 career NFL games. He was also credited with two forced fumbles and five passes defended.