Markus Paul facts for kids

Markus Dwayne Paul (born April 1, 1966 – died November 25, 2020) was an American football player and coach. He played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). Paul played for the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After his playing career, he became a strength and conditioning coach. He worked with several NFL teams, including the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys. He also played college football at Syracuse University.

Early Life and High School Sports

Markus Paul grew up in Kissimmee, Florida. He went to Osceola High School. In his junior year, he became the starting quarterback for the football team. His team made it to the state championship game.

Paul was also a talented basketball player. He was a starter on the school's basketball team. In the 1982-83 season, his team had an amazing record. They won all 37 of their games and became state champions.

College Football Career

Paul earned a football scholarship to Syracuse University. He played there from 1984 to 1988. He chose Syracuse because they let him try out for quarterback or defensive back. Other big college programs only wanted him to play defense.

He quickly decided to play as a safety. He became a starter right away in his first game. That season, he caught 7 interceptions, including 3 in one game! He started every game as a free safety throughout his college career.

In his junior year, Paul was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. This award goes to the best defensive back in college football. He caught 5 interceptions that season. As a senior, he was again a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. He had 4 interceptions and was named a first-team All-American.

Markus Paul set school records at Syracuse. He had the most career interceptions with 19. He also had the most interceptions in a single game with 3. In 1999, he was honored by being named to Syracuse University's All-Century team.

Professional Playing Career

Playing for the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears picked Markus Paul in the fourth round of the 1989 NFL Draft. In his first year, he mostly played as a backup safety. He got his first NFL interception in a game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Paul continued to play for the Bears for several seasons. He appeared in 70 games for the team. He started 15 of those games and caught 7 interceptions during his time with the Bears.

Short Stints with Other Teams

In 1993, Paul was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. However, he was released by the Cowboys shortly after. He then signed back with the Chicago Bears for a second time. He played in 8 games for them that season.

Later in 1993, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played in one game for them before being released in 1994.

Coaching Career

After his playing days, Markus Paul became a highly respected strength and conditioning coach. This type of coach helps players get stronger and fitter.

Early Coaching Roles

In 1998, Paul joined the New Orleans Saints as an assistant coach. He worked with his former college strength coach, Mike Woicik. In 2000, he followed Woicik to the New England Patriots. As an assistant strength and conditioning coach, Paul helped the Patriots win three Super Bowls: XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX.

After his time with the Patriots, he worked for the New York Jets. He was their director of physical development for one year. Then he became their strength and conditioning coach for another year.

Success with the Giants and Cowboys

In 2007, Paul joined the New York Giants as an assistant strength and conditioning coach. He had great success there, helping the Giants win two more Super Bowls: XLII and XLVI. He stayed with the Giants for 12 years.

In 2018, Paul moved to the Dallas Cowboys. He was again an assistant strength coach, working with Mike Woicik. In 2020, he became the Cowboys' head strength and conditioning coordinator. Throughout his coaching career, Markus Paul was part of five Super Bowl-winning teams.

Remembering Markus Paul

On November 24, 2020, Markus Paul became unwell at the Cowboys' team facility. He was taken to the hospital. Sadly, he passed away the next day at 54 years old. He is remembered for his contributions as both a player and a coach in the NFL.