Ex-NFL Player Josh Mauro Dies of Fentanyl, Cocaine and Ethanol Overdose

Former NFL defensive end Josh Mauro died from a drug overdose, the California Post reported, citing the Maricopa County Medical Examiner.

The Post said Mauro died from acute combined fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol intoxication. His death was ruled accidental.

Greg Mauro, Josh's father, announced his son's death in a Facebook post last month. He said Josh passed on April 23.

"With many tears and broken hearts, yet anchored in the unshakable certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new – live 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," Greg Mauro wrote.

"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."

Mauro entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford. He signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014. The Steelers cut the 6-foot-6, 290-pound defensive end during final roster moves before the season.

Mauro landed with the Arizona Cardinals. He spent the next four seasons there, helping their defensive line.

Over six seasons with the Cardinals, Mauro collected 83 combined tackles and four sacks across 55 games, including 29 starts. He worked into a starting role in 2016 and had seven tackles for loss across 15 games that year.

Mauro also spent time with the New York Giants and then-Oakland Raiders. He returned to the Cardinals for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Mauro was born in England, where his father was stationed for work. He moved from England to Texas and built a high school resume that earned him a spot on Stanford's Division I football team.

Across 80 career games, Mauro had five sacks, 130 combined tackles including 20 for loss, two forced fumbles and five passes defended.

Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.