Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul dies at 54



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Dallas Cowboys strength and conditioning coordinator Markus Paul, a five-season NFL veteran who worked for several teams as a strength coach for more than two decades, has died at the age of 54 years old on Wednesday, the Cowboys announced.

Paul’s cause of death is pending, the statement said.

Paul experienced a medical emergency at team headquarters on Tuesday and was then taken by ambulance to hospital, where he died.

“The organization extends its prayers and support to the Paul family, and the team will recognize and remember Markus, a treasured and beloved member of the Cowboys family, ahead of the Thanksgiving game tomorrow afternoon,” the statement read. .

Paul joined the Cowboys organization in February 2018 and previously spent 11 years with the New York Giants. He also worked for the New Orleans Saints (1998-1999), New England Patriots (2000-2004) and New York Jets (2005-2006).

“The loss of a family member is a tragedy, and Markus Paul was a loved and valued member of our family,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in the team statement. “He has been a pleasant and calming influence in our weight room and throughout The Star. His passion for his job and his enthusiasm for life have earned him the great respect and admiration of all of our players and all of us. organization. We offer our love and support to his family at this very difficult time. Our hearts are broken for his family and all those whose lives he touched and improved. “

Following Paul’s medical emergency, Dallas players and staff attended a pre-scheduled meeting Tuesday morning where coach Mike McCarthy informed his team that Tuesday’s practice would be canceled.

McCarthy also released a statement Wednesday.

“We extend our love, strength and support for Markus’ family during this most difficult time and ask that their privacy be respected in the future,” said McCarthy. “Markus Paul was a leader in this building. He won the respect and attention of the players because he cared so much and was a naturally gifted communicator – both personally and professionally. He handled every situation. , sometimes with a smile and a pat on the back, and sometimes with tough love. He had an innate tenacity in a job that demanded this quality, and he was admired throughout the NFL by his peers and the players he coached. . It was a privilege to work with him as a coach and to laugh with him as a friend. Markus did everything the right way. “

Selected in the fourth round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Paul played five-season games with the Bears before ending his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. About five years later, he joined the Saints and began a 23-year coaching career that included five combined Super Bowl titles during time with the Giants and Patriots.

“All of us, along with the Giants, the Mara and Tisch families and the entire organization, offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Markus Paul. Markus has been a beloved member of our organization for several years,” said the Giants in a press release. “Our prayers of comfort and peace are with his family, the Dallas Cowboys and his many friends across the NFL and beyond. He will be sadly missed.”

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