Syracuse Mourns the Passing of Markus Paul
11/25/2020 8:11:00 PM | Football
Paul was a four-year starter for the Orange and a key member of the unbeaten 1987 team. A two-time finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the nation's most outstanding defensive back, Paul still owns the Orange career interceptions record with 19.
"Markus was an outstanding player who had a tremendous impact on this program," said head coach Dino Babers. "I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends following his tragic passing."
An All-American in 1988, Paul would go on to spend five years as a player in the National Football League after being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1989 draft. Following his playing career, Paul would have a successful career in coaching, serving as a strength and conditioning coach for five Super Bowl champion teams.
"Markus was a wonderful person who made an impact on those around him at every stop," said Syracuse University Director of Athletics John Wildhack. "He was an integral member of our undefeated 1987 Orange team and a two-time All-American. He was well respected in the NFL as a coach and mentor whose distinguished career included Super Bowl championships working with Tom Coughlin and the New York Giants and Bill Belichick in New England. Markus will forever be part of our Orange family. All of us at Syracuse University and Syracuse Athletics hold Markus' family in our thoughts and extend our love always."
Reactions from around the football world:
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It was amazing how many times I would see a clock and it would say 10:32. That meant Markus Paul was with me at that moment. During the course of a tough game, tough day he was by my side. Even though he's left us I know he will still be by my side. Miss You, Love You MP pic.twitter.com/2StIPmg0wD
— Daryl Johnston (@DarylJohnston) November 26, 2020
All of us with the Giants, the Mara and Tisch families and the entire organization, extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Markus Paul. Markus was a beloved member of our organization for several years.
— New York Giants (@Giants) November 26, 2020
Man..... rest easy Coach Markus Paul...
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) November 26, 2020
I did not know Markus Paul personally, but feel like I did. It's that football brotherhood. I played against his Syracuse teams that he was on in college, we played the same position, and that connects us. My heart breaks for his family and loved ones. My deepest condolences.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) November 26, 2020
Former Bears safety Markus Paul, a longtime NFL strength and conditioning coach, passed away Wednesday at the age of 54. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and to the countless lives he touched.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) November 26, 2020
Sending our deepest sympathies to the family & friends of Markus Paul. The Dallas Cowboys strength & conditioning coach passed away Wednesday at the age of 54.
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 26, 2020
→ https://t.co/SSUvgPzthu pic.twitter.com/2wEAs72tnm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Markus Paul, who spent two years with us in 2005-06. He was a kind man who made a lasting impact on those fortunate to have crossed his path.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 26, 2020
Saddened by the loss of #markuspaul ... great Orangeman - great football man. Huge smile / great energy / desire to see everyone at their best. @CuseFootball @dallascowboys @Patriots @Giants https://t.co/FbLTtsLjEX
— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) November 26, 2020
Praying for the Paul family and the incredible @CuseFootball crew of the 80s. Such a devastating loss for all of us who knew Markus then and now. Condolences also to his many NFL friends and there were many. A great person .. an immeasurable loss. https://t.co/czUiyk8Gye
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) November 26, 2020
