The Baltimore Ravens have confirmed the tragic passing of offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris .
The 70-year-old has been battling an illness and a statement confirmed his passing on Sunday. The team released a statement online alongside the news: "Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of Coach Joe D'Alessandris' passing early this morning."
"'Joe D.' lived a life of boundless faith, love, devotion and inspiration. 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."
D'Alessandri was hospitalized two weeks ago dealing with an acute illness. The veteran offensive line coach had been working with the Ravens throughout the preseason prior to his hospitalization.
D'Alessandris joined Baltimore in 2017 and served as the team's offensive line coach from 2017-2024. He's had a long journey in football, starting in 1977 as a graduate assistant for Western Carolina.
"Coach 'Joe D.' was a man of integrity and a man of faith," said longtime Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. "He made us all better. He was our reader at team mass, and he was loved by all here."
D'Alessandris bounced between the college ranks and the CFL before landing a job as an assistant offensive line coach with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008.
He stayed in Kansas City for two seasons before jumping to the head offensive line job with the Buffalo Bills in 2010. He took the same position with the San Diego Chargers in 2013 before settling in Baltimore in 2017.
"He was a great coach and a good man," Harbaugh continued. "The kind of person who you are honored to have as a friend. He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters, and he was a most loving husband. "
"His grandkids also adored him. I admired him, loved him and am going to miss him, because 'Joe D.' was a joy. Toni has him back now. May. God bless 'Joe D.' forever."
D'Alessandris's longtime wife Toni away in 2022. The pair are remembered by their three children (Kelly, Emily, and Anna) and four grandchildren.
"Today is a sad day for the Baltimore Ravens. 'Joe D.' was a rock, a great coach and a better person," said Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta. "He cared about the team deeply, exhibiting a relentless passion to excel while displaying genuine love for his players."
"I especially treasure my conversations with him, talking about football and life. I will always remember standing back with Joe on the practice field and watching him up close with his players. Coach was the consummate teacher and friend, and I will miss him deeply."
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