Ex-NFL defensive end Josh Mauro dies at age 35

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Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro has died, according to social media posts from his family and his former team.

Mauro, who spent the majority of his eight NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, was 35. No cause of death was immediately available.

“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,” the statement posted by his father, Greg Mauro, on Facebook read.

Greg Mauro said Josh Mauro died April 23.

“Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven," the statement continued. "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."

Josh Mauro 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. The Stanford product who went undrafted also spent time with the New York Giants and Oakland Raiders.

"The Raiders mourn the loss of Josh Mauro. ... The deepest condolences of the Raiders Family are with Josh's family and friends at this time," the team said in a statement.

Dec 29, 2019; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Josh Mauro (97) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.