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Joe Juraszek (pronounced jer-AH-sick) joined the Cowboys staff as the strength and conditioning coach in February, 1997 and implemented a hands-on approach that stresses strength development, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility and speed work. His ability to tailor workout programs to individual player needs based on the player's input and workout history has earned him the respect and admiration of the players and the coaching staff.
The rapport Juraszek has developed with the players is evident in the number of participants in his offseason conditioning program each spring. The impact of this intensive program can be seen on the field with the successes of seasoned veterans and in the continued development and contributions from younger players like Terence Newman, Jason Witten, DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears. Along with overseeing the strength and conditioning program for the team, Juraszek works with the Cowboys medical staff implementing rehabilitation programs for injured players. His work within these rehab programs has allowed players to return to the field quickly and, usually, stronger. His success can be seen directly in the 2005 performance of running back Julius Jones and wide receiver Patrick Crayton, who overcame serious injuries during the season and returned to make a major contributions. During the 2006 offseason he worked closely with Flozell Adams, Al Singleton and Kevin Burnett, to have them healthy and ready to go for September.
Juraszek came to Dallas after serving as the University of Oklahoma's strength coach from 1993-96. He joined the Sooners after serving as the strength coach at Texas Tech University from 1987-92. He was a graduate assistant and then a full-time assistant strength coach for Oklahoma from 1981-86.
He attended the University of New Mexico from 1976-81, where he played linebacker and defensive end for the Lobos while earning bachelor's degrees in Physical Education/Health and Economics. He added a master's degree while serving as a graduate assistant strength coach at Oklahoma.
In 2001, Juraszek was a panel member for the ?Get & Stay Fit? Family First Town Meeting hosted by WFAA-TV, Dallas's ABC affiliate. He joined Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder and president of the Cooper Fitness Center and Clinic in Dallas, and Dr. Joel Steinberg, Medical Director of Children's Medical Center of Dallas, in providing advice on exercise training, preventative health tips and the latest facts on dieting.
A native of Chicago, Ill. (6/8/58), Juraszek and his wife, Camille, have a daughter, Nikki Jo (7/25/90), and a son, J.D. (9/9/92). | 