Markus Paul, Cowboys strength coach and ex-Bears draft pick, dies

Markus Paul, the Cowboys’ strength and conditioning coach, died Wednesday at age 54, one day after being rushed from the team facility to the hospital. He was a former Bears draft pick who played parts of five seasons with the team.

The Bears selected Paul, a Syracuse safety, in the fourth round of the 1989 draft. He played for them for four-and-a-half years, starting 15 times, before playing the last game of the 1993 season with the Buccaneers. He intercepted seven passes and forced one fumble with the Bears.

“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 a statement.

The Cowboys canceled practice Tuesday after he fell ill, but resumed Wednesday. They host Washington on Thanksgiving Day.

Paul began coaching in 1998. He also worked for the Saints, Jets, Patriots and Giants.