Markus Dwayne Paul

Surrounded by his family, Markus Paul left his earthly home to be with his Heavenly Father. Born on April 1, 1966, to Isiah Paul, Sr., and the late Jeannie Wilkerson Paul, Markus was their first-born son and their pride and joy. It was by their love and guidance Markus grew into the man we all know and love. Markus was a faithful, humble servant of God and served Him in every area of his life with grace and humility.

Markus attended Osceola High School, where he played football. He was an All-State quarterback and defensive back. He led the Kowboys to the 1982 Class 3A title game. He attended Syracuse University, where he played football from 1984 to 1988. He still holds the school record of 19 career interceptions. As a senior, he earned 1st team All-American honors. The Chicago Bears selected Markus in the fourth round of the 1989 NFL Draft, where he played for five seasons. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers was where he finished his football career. He began a new career when he accepted his first position as an assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach with the New Orleans Saints. There, he joined his longtime friend, Mike Woicik. From the Saints, Markus coached for the New England Patriots, the New York Jets, the New York Giants, and finally, the Dallas Cowboys. Markus came full-circle! Because ONCE A KOWBOY, ALWAYS A KOWBOY!!

Markus rightly deserves respect and admiration for the accolades he achieved in high school, college, as a player and then coach in the NFL. What motivated him daily was his faith in God and his love of family and friends. His son, Jairus, would often hear his dad say, “Be your own man!” To his baby girl, Tabitha, Markus was her protector and made sure they both had everything they needed. Markus demonstrated to his stepsons, Dwayne and Mathias, selfless and unconditional love.

To his siblings, Markus was the best big brother anyone could ask for. He was their hero! His faith in God was something they were proud of.

He leaves loving memories to his wife, Heidi Paul, whom he sincerely called “Beautiful”; his first-born son, Jairus Paul (New Jersey), and only daughter, Tabitha Paul (New Jersey); his stepsons, Dwayne and Mathias Smith (Texas); grandsons, Miles and Camden Smith; his beloved father, Isiah Paul, Sr.; his only sister, Angela Taylor (Vince); his brothers, Isiah Paul, Jr. (Susan) and Anthony Paul (Cassandra); as well as six nieces, three nephews, three great-nephews, and a host of other family and friends.

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