Markus Paul spent 23 years coaching strength & conditioning in the National Football League. He served as the first assistant for 20 of those years with the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys. He held the Director’s position for 3 years of his career with the New York Jets and the Dallas Cowboys. Over the span of his career, Markus earned 5 Super Bowl rings, 3 with the Patriots and 2 with the Giants.
Coach Paul had an extensive work ethic that stemmed from his playing days as a defensive Safety for Syracuse University. After redshirting as a freshman, Markus was a starter for all 4 of his eligible years. He set the school’s all-time interception record at 19 in 1988; a record that still stands today. He was twice named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, and earned First Team All-American honors his senior year. In October 1999, he was named to the Syracuse University's All-Century team. While at the Dallas Cowboys facility, Markus Paul experienced a pulmonary embolism. He went to be with his Lord on November 25, 2020 at the age of 54.
This scholarship was created by the New York Giants, close friends and family of Markus. The scholarship will assist in the development of Black American coaches in the Strength & Conditioning profession. Each year a $2,000 tuition scholarship will be awarded to a Black American student preparing to coach in the Strength & Conditioning profession.