Ravens Announce Passing of Ex-Chiefs Assistant

What will be a hard week for many around the league, as teams begin trimming their rosters down to the 53-man limit, has become even more difficult for the Baltimore Ravens , who are in mourning after announcing the passing of their offensive line coach, Joe D’Alessandris.

D’Alessandris, 70, had been on leave away from the Ravens for over a week as he had been hospitalized with an acute illness but passed away Sunday.

""Joe D.’ lived a life of boundless faith, love, devotion and inspiration,” the Ravens wrote in a statement. “As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, Joe made every individual he encountered truly feel like they were the most important person in the world.

“Anyone fortunate enough to have spent time with Joe was forever touched by his genuine and uplifting nature. He had the amazingly rare ability to connect with people in a way that deepened respect, empathy and kindness further spreading those important virtues into the everyday life of the world."

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D’Alessandris had been coaching in the NFL since 2008 when he started as the Kansas City Chiefs assistant offensive line coach. He held that position for two seasons before becoming the offensive coach for the Buffalo Bills in 2010.

D’Alessandris would then take the same role with the then-San Diego Chargers in 2013 before making his way to the Ravens in 2017.