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.

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. He spent much of the 2005 season and all of the 2006 offseason working closely with Marc Colombo, who returned to start all 16 games and anchor the right side of the offensive line from 2006-2008. He also worked with Flozell Adams and Kevin Burnett to help them overcome injuries and be ready to go for September. He worked closely with linebacker Greg Ellis in the 2007 offseason to allow him to return to the playing field a year after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon. In addition, his work with Terence Newman in 2008 allowed the cornerback to overcome a groin injury and abdominal surgery to play in and start 10 games and lead the team with a career-high tying four interceptions.

Juraszek came to Dallas after serving as the University of Oklahoma 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).