The sports world is mourning the tragic loss of former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro, who passed away at the age of 35. According to records from the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, Mauro died on April 23 from an acute combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol intoxication. The death has been classified as accidental.

Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Mauro was a formidable presence on the field during his eight-season NFL career. He spent six of those seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where he made his biggest impact. His standout year came in 2016, when he appeared in 15 games, started 13, and recorded 32 tackles. He also had stints with the New York Giants and the then-Oakland Raiders, showcasing his versatility as a defensive end and tackle.

A Stanford University alum, Mauro played in 80 total NFL games, starting 40 of them, and notched five career sacks. His final season in the league came in 2021, back with the Cardinals, before he hung up his cleats for good.

The Cardinals organization released a heartfelt statement on April 28, saying: "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."

This devastating news serves as a somber reminder of the challenges that can follow a professional sports career. As we remember Josh Mauro's contributions on the gridiron, our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.