IN LOVING MEMORY
A GIFTED ATHLETE
MARKUS PAUL
April 1, 1966- November 25, 2020
From a standout high school student-athlete in both football and basketball, to one of the best defensive backs to ever play for Syracuse, to playing in the NFL, Markus was a gifted athlete. He transitioned from a player to a strength and conditioning coach.
“A part of being a provider is providing a good example for our sons of how they should be conducting themselves.”– Markus Paul
“What is truly being a protector? What is truly being a provider? That knowledge comes through reading and studying the Word.”– Markus Paul
“Ladies – every man should come around and open the door…and make sure your foot is in before he shuts it!”– Markus Paul
ONE OF THE BEST
FROM THE START
Markus Paul was a standout high school student-athlete at Osceola High School in Kissimmee, FL. As a Jr Quarterback, he led his team to the state championship game and was a highly touted prospect in Kissimmee. Markus also played basketball and he was a member of the 82-83 team that went undefeated. These talents led Markus to be recruited by many Division 1 football programs, but most of the schools wanted Markus to play defensive back rather than QB. He chose Syracuse University because they promised to give him an opportunity at QB. However, during his freshman season Markus was moved to the defensive back position. He worked hard during this transition and went on to become one of the best defensive backs to ever play for Syracuse University. As a freshman he recorded 7 interceptions, he was an integral part of the 1987 undefeated season, and he still holds the record for career interceptions with 19. His junior and senior seasons he was named a Jim Thorpe finalist, which goes to the best defensive back in the country, and his senior season he was named a 1st Team All-American. In 1999 he was selected to the Syracuse All-Century team.
FROM PLAYER TO COACH
A LEGACY
Markus was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1989 NFL Draft. He would go on to play 5 seasons in the league. Markus played in 71 NFL games and recorded 7 interceptions.
In 1998 Markus transitioned from player to coach when he accepted the assistant strength and conditioning position with the New Orleans Saints. Over the next 22 years he would go on to hold strength and conditioning positions with the New England Patriots (3 Super Bowl Rings), New York Jets, New York Giants (2 Super Bowl Rings), and finally the Dallas Cowboys.
AN INSPIRATION
Markus had an unwavering faith in God and it was evident in every area of his life. He was blessed with gifts and talents that made a way for him to work in a field that he loved and allowed him to share his faith with so many others. Markus had an impact on the lives of hundreds of players and coaches, encouraging them to be the best version of themselves both on and off the field. He influenced the lives of so many others by the way he lived: humble, hard working, kind hearted, honest, dependable, and lastly his smile just said it all.
“A part of being a provider is providing a good example for our sons of how they should be conducting themselves.”– Markus Paul
“What is truly being a protector? What is truly being a provider? That knowledge comes through reading and studying the Word.”– Markus Paul
“Ladies – every man should come around and open the door…and make sure your foot is in before he shuts it!”– Markus Paul
