Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris died early Sunday, the team announced. He was 70.
D'Alessandris was hospitalized last week due to an acute illness. The team said at the time that he would require treatment for an extended period.
“Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness upon learning of the passing of Head Coach Joe D'Alessandris early this morning,” the team said.
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Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris talks to players on the sideline during the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium on Aug. 9, 2024, in Baltimore. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
“Joe D. lived a life of boundless faith, love, devotion and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, Joe made every person he encountered feel truly like the most important person in the world.
“Anyone who was fortunate enough to spend time with Joe was forever touched by his genuine and inspiring nature. He had the incredibly rare ability to connect with people in a way that deepened respect, empathy and kindness, further spreading those important virtues into the everyday lives of the world.
“'Force multiplier' is a football term sometimes used to describe a person who makes everyone around him better. As a coach, he certainly was. But far more importantly, it's also an apt description of Joe D'Alessandris as a person – someone who undoubtedly created a legacy of love and impact that will live on forever.
Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris works with players before the game against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Baltimore. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
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“We extend our deepest condolences to Joe's family, particularly his three amazing daughters, at this very somber time. Now that they have been reunited with their late and precious wife, Toni, we know they are smiling down from above and blessing all those they love so dearly.”
D'Alessandris was a longtime college and professional football coach. He started as a graduate assistant at Western Carolina in 1977 and landed his first full-time job as an offensive line coach at Livingston (now West Alabama) in 1979. He worked hard to rise through the organization over several years.
He landed his first NFL offensive line assistant coaching job in 2008 with the Kansas City Chiefs. He then moved on to the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and then the Ravens in 2017.
“Coach 'Joe D.' was a man of integrity and a man of faith,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “He made us all better. He was our reader at the team mass and everyone here loved him.
Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris instructs before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium on Nov. 5, 2023, in Baltimore. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
“He was a great coach and a good man, the kind of person you're honored to have as a friend. He raised three amazing, beautiful daughters and was a very loving husband. His grandchildren adored him, too. I looked up to him, I loved him, and I'm going to miss him, because 'Joe D.' was a joy. Toni has him back now. May God bless 'Joe D.' forever.”
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D'Alessandris' career also spanned two stints in the Canadian Football League and two years in the World League of American Football.
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