Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby has posted an emotional tribute to former teammate Josh Mauro following his sudden death at the age of 35. Mauro, an English-born defensive lineman, passed away on April 23, according to a public statement released by his father Greg this week. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Family Statement
The family's statement 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.' It added that Mauro 'breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven.'
Crosby's Tribute
Crosby, who was briefly Mauro's teammate with the Oakland Raiders in 2019, paid a moving tribute on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote: 'Damn I can't believe I have to do this right now. I'm sick to my stomach to be honest. But my guy Josh Mauro just passed away recently.'
'Damn bro, I really don't have words. I love you, bro, and I wish I could've done more for you. I wish I could've been there for you. It's just tough man.'
'Sometimes you don't talk as much and everybody's got their own s*** going on and you could lose contact at times - but I'll say this man, Josh I love you bro and I know you had my back since day one. You were the first and probably only vet to text me when I got drafted.'
Shared Roots
'We came from the same area in Texas… I had known and admired who you were from afar for a long time - somebody I looked up to coming up in Texas. I cannot believe you're gone, I truly can't.'
'Your family, your brothers, your mom, love y'all… Every time I had something going on, even if I was wrong, you always jumped in my defense.'
'We all have our battles man and you never know what people are going through. I wish I could just talk to you one more time. It f***ing breaks my heart.'
'I love you though, bro. You were hilarious and a great human being. I just wish I could've been there for you. I love you bro. Rest in peace.'
Mauro's Career
Born in St. Albans near London, Mauro moved to the United States at age three and grew up in Texas. He played college football at Stanford University after a standout high school career. Undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft, he signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers but was released during final roster cuts.
He then joined the Arizona Cardinals, where he spent the majority of his career, playing from 2014 to 2017 and returning for a second stint from 2020 to 2021. Mauro established himself as a rotational defensive lineman and occasional starter, recording a career-high 42 tackles in the 2016 season when he started 13 games.
He also played for the New York Giants in 2018, the Raiders in 2019, and the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 before finishing his career back with the Cardinals after the 2021 season.
