[2] Paul accepted a football scholarship from Temple University, to play under head coach Bruce Arians.
[3] As a sophomore, Palmer replaced the injured starter Brian Slade at running back against Boston College, making 11 carries for 98 yards.
Paul was the runner-up to Vinny Testaverde for the 1986 Heisman Trophy award, even though Temple did not have nationally televised games.
In July 1988, it emerged that Palmer had signed with agent Norby Walters before his eligibility expired (he received monthly payments and a $5,000 loan).
School president Peter Liacouras also ordered Palmer to reimburse Temple for his senior year scholarship.
In a deal with federal prosecutors who were investigating Walters, Palmer agreed to perform 150 to 250 hours of community service.
[4] Years later, the school decided to recognize Palmer’s 1986 season, after he showed remorse for his decisions and their effects on Temple.
On September 5, 1989, Palmer was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions, reuniting with Frank Gansz who was his head coach with the Chiefs.
[10] On October 16, after five games without a single rushing attempt and 11 kickoff returns for 255 yards, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, in exchange for an eighth round draft choice (#194-Willie Green).
Palmer played a key role in the only win the team had that season (against Washington), when Paul registered the only 100-yard rushing game of his career, after gaining 110 yards and scoring a touchdown.