FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys have spent recent days covering their final bases and preparing for next week’s NFL Draft. Wednesday’s retirement press conference for legendary lineman Tyron Smith added to the crazed but happy spirits around The Star.
Unfortunately, some of the jubilation soured Thursday with news regarding a longtime member of the team staff.
Former Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek died this week, team officials confirmed. He was 67 years old.
The cause of his death is currently unknown at this time.
Juraszek worked for the Cowboys from 1997 to 2010, a time that saw five different head coaches come through the organization. Players and coaches from those old regimes poured in with their condolences and remarks following the announcement.
“So sorry to hear of the passing of Joe Juraszek!” former head coach Dave Campo posted on Facebook. “As our strength coach with the Dallas Cowboys for many years and a great man! He was always upbeat and passionate about his work, our players and our organization. He will be missed.”
Campo was one of the five head coaches that Juraszek worked for. That also included Barry Switzer and Wade Phillips.
Former Cowboys defensive back Jacques Reeves took to social media with his own remarks on his former strength and conditioning coach.
“Best strength & conditioning coach I’ve ever come across,” Reeves said on X. “But an even better man!! The vibes he created in the weight room we called ‘Juraszek Park’ were unmatched.”
Juraszek spent a long time around football, coaching for over three decades after finishing his playing career at the University of New Mexico in 1980.