Ex-Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player Passes Away At 30 While Playing Pickup Basketball

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers lineman Josh Cardiello passed away suddenly at just 30 years old last week. 

Cardiello reportedly suffered cardiac arrest during a game of pickup basketball with friends on Monday. 

“Josh passed away early yesterday morning, around 5:30 a.m., after suffering sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) while playing basketball. His loss was completely unexpected and has left our family, friends, and colleagues heartbroken,” his father, Jay Cardiello, announced via LinkedIn.

Cardiello attended Buford High School in Georgia before going on to play for the University of Georgia and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. 

Josh Cardiello Was A Lifelong Buccaneers Fan

A lifelong Bucs fan, Cardiello had a brief stint with the team after college, participating in rookie camp. He ultimately transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry. 

According to his father, the former lineman specialized in cardiovascular disease.

“Josh understood firsthand the burden these diseases place on patients and families,” he wrote. 

His passing is not the first such tragedy where his family is concerned. Josh Cardiello’s younger brother, Jacob, also died from cardiac arrest in 2021. 

“Following the loss of his younger brother, Jacob, to sudden cardiac arrest in 2021, Josh dedicated his professional life to honoring Jacob’s memory through meaningful, patient-focused work,” his father added. “His commitment, integrity, and compassion defined who he was—both personally and professionally.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. 

May he rest in peace.