Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh paid a touching tribute to Joe D’Alessandris , insisting the late offensive line coach “made us all better”.
On Sunday, the Ravens confirmed the tragic passing of D’Alessandris . The 70-year-old has been battling an illness and a statement confirmed his passing on social media.
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.”
Two weeks ago, D’Alessandris was hospitalized as he battled an acute illness. The veteran offensive line coach joined the AFC North franchise in 2017, serving as Baltimore’s offensive line coach for seven years.
Harbaugh also released a tribute, paying respect to D’Alessandris. The Pennsylvania-native enjoyed a 48-year coaching career spanning college football, Canadian football, and the NFL .
“Coach 'Joe D.' was a man of integrity and a man of faith,” said Ravens head coach Harbaugh. “He made us all better. He was our reader at team mass, and he was loved by all here. He was a great coach and a good man - the kind of person who you are honored to have as a friend.
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
“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 passed away in 2022. The pair are survived by their three children Kelly, Emily, and Anna, as well as four grandchildren.
D'Alessandri had a long journey in football, starting in 1977 as a graduate assistant for Western Carolina. He 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 taking the reins with 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.
“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.”
Local Baltimore, MD
Most Popular
Comments / 0