The Dallas Cowboys canceled practiced Tuesday and player and coach availability suddenly. Strength and conditioning coach Markus Paul died suddenly at the age of 54, per multiple reports.
A Frisco police spokesperson said that paramedics responded to The Star at 7:30 a.m., and no foul play is suspected. The emergency does not directly involve Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who made a local radio appearance about an hour following the paramedics’ arrival.
The staffer was transported by ambulance to a local hospital
The family has disputed reports of Paul’s death, saying he is on life support at the hospital.
Please pay attention here https://t.co/gCBwE8Ae0A
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) November 24, 2020
Mike Garafolo explained some of the confusion that led to reports Paul had passed away.
Just to explain: A former colleague of Markus Paul’s texted some folks with some news about Paul. That news was assumed by many to be accurate. Thankfully, it’s not. Again, per the #Cowboys’ statement, he’s at the hospital getting tests. They will update at the appropriate time.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 24, 2020
Paul was promoted to the position for the 2020 season after the departure of long time Strength and Conditioning Coach Mike Woicik. Paul was especially popular among the players and other coaches.
https://twitter.com/McAllisterMike1/status/1331289235383578628?s=20
From the #Cowboys on Markus Paul. pic.twitter.com/m2RValeVQf
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 24, 2020
Paul played at Syracuse from 1984-1988 and set a school record with 19 interceptions. He was named an All-American as a senior and was selected in the fourth round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He spent five season in the NFL mostly with the Bears.
During his five years in the league, Paul started 15 games, appearing in 71 total. He finished his playing career with seven interceptions, including a careerhigh three in 1991.
During his coaching career, Paul spent time with the New Orleans Saints (1998-99), New England Patriots (2000-04), New York Jets (2005-06), New York Giants (2007-18) and Dallas Cowboys (2018-20). Paul has won five Super Bowls as a coach, three with the Patriots and two with the Giants.
https://twitter.com/EliManning/status/1331298308996935682?s=20
https://twitter.com/lt4kicks/status/1331298829602344962?s=20
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