EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – CIRCA 2011: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Markus Paul of the New York Giants poses for his NFL headshot circa 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images)
R.I.P. Dallas Cowboys coach Markus Paul, who passed away on Wednesday.
Dallas Cowboys strength and conditioning coach and five-time Super Bowl champion Markus Paul passed away on Wednesday evening. He was 54.
On Tuesday, Paul was rushed to a local hospital early in the morning after experiencing a medical emergency, according to Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy told the players early in the morning and later elected to cancel practice in wake of the situation. The Cowboys sent out a quick release stating it was “a non-COVID related medical emergency involving a staff member.”
The Cowboys later released a statement to honor his legacy.
“We extend our love, strength and support to Markus’ family during this most challenging of times and ask that their privacy be respected moving forward,” McCarthy said. “Markus Paul was a leader in this building. He earned the players’ respect and attention because he cared so much and was a naturally gifted communicator – both on the personal and professional levels.
“Markus did everything the right way.”
Markus Paul was a legend on and off the field
Paul, who joined the Cowboys staff in 2018, played five years as a defensive back in the NFL with the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1989-93. He also was a two-time All-American during his years at Syracuse.
Paul began coaching in 1998 with the New Orleans Saints. He then spent spent five seasons with the New England Patriots as a member of strength and conditioning staff. Prior to joining the Cowboys, Paul spent 11 seasons with the New York Giants as an assistant strength coach.
He was surrounded by his family during his the time of his passing, according to multiple outlets. The Cowboys will be playing with a heavy heart at home this Thanksgiving when the team kicks off against the Washington Football Team.