Baltimore Ravens Will Wear Helmet Decals Honoring Jacoby Jones And Joe D'Alessandris

The Baltimore Ravens will kick off their regular season in Kansas City this Thursday. Marred by the tragic deaths of offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris and wide receiver Jacoby Jones, the Ravens will be seeking redemption as they face off against the reigning super bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

While the Raven's goal remains to win a Super Bowl, this season will also be dedicated to the memories of their fallen teammates. They will honor the former Ravens with a special decal that they will wear all season.

The new Ravens decal contains the names Joe D. and Jacoby along with Jones's No. 12. Jones died July 14, while D'Alessandris passed away Aug. 25.

Coach Harbuagh's Response

In a recent interview, Ravens coach John Harbuagh spoke about what D’Alessandris and Jones meant to the organization and himself personally.

“Hopefully those helmet tags of Jacoby Jones and Joe D'Alessandris help to serve as a reminder to all of us that it's about the people," Harbaugh said. "It's about the people in your life that you share this time on Earth with. Treat them right, cherish them, celebrate them, love them, and remember them."

What Was Jacoby Jones Known For?

Jones was known for his phenomenal kick returning capabilities. He holds a special place in NFL playoff history having had outstanding postseason performances en route to the Raven's Super Bowl XLVII victory. He will always be remembered for his mesmerizing 109-yard kickoff return touchdown in Super Bowl XLVII and for the important part he played in what became known as the "Mile High Miracle", when the Baltimore Ravens upset the Denver Broncos in the NFL 2012 AFC Divisional Playoffs.

What Was Joe D'Alessandris Known For?

D'Alessandris spent seven years with the Ravens during his 17-year coaching career. Thursday night's game carries special significance as Kansas City is where D'Alessandris started his NFL coaching career.

D'Alessandris died on August 25 due to an illness that was caused by complications of a surgery he underwent earlier in the summer. He was 70 years old.

Looking Ahead

The team is confident that they can turn this tragedy into a story of redemption that will honor the memories Jacoby Jones and Joe D'Alessandris. As the Ravens look to outperform last year's 13-4 record, they'll hold their fallen brothers at the top of their minds.

Related: Baltimore Ravens' Derrick Henry Ecstatic For Week 1 Rematch With Kansas City Chiefs