The Baltimore Ravens announce that their O-Line Coach Joe D’Alessandris has passed away at the age of 70. Head coach Jim Harbaugh also has his say

The Baltimore Ravens receive tragic news just before the start of the season. Joe D’Alessandris has died, the franchise announced on Sunday. He had been an O-line coach on head coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff since 2017.

“Our hearts ache with sorrow and sadness,” the Ravens wrote in the announcement of the 70-year-old’s death. It continues: “‘Joe D’ lived a life of boundless faith, love, dedication and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, he made every person he met the most important person in the world.”

D’Alessandris treated everyone with “respect, empathy and kindness”. His love and influence will live on, the Ravens assure.

The club also mentions that its coach had already lost arguably the most important person in his life: “Now that he is reunited with his late and precious wife Toni, they will look down together smiling from above and bless everyone with the deepest love.” She died in 2022 after 42 years of marriage.

Harbaugh emphasized: “He was a great coach and a great person. Just the kind of person you’d be honored to call a friend.” The head coach mentioned D’Alessandris’ three daughters and his five grandchildren, who would adore him.

“I adored him, I loved him and I’m going to miss him because ‘Joe D’ was truly a joy,” Harbaugh continues.

Baltimore Ravens mourn coach: “Real love for players ”

General Manager Eric DeCosta describes the deceased as “a rock, a great coach and an even better person. He cared so much about the team, displayed a relentless passion for excellence while showing genuine love for the players.”

He particularly remembers the conversations – about American football, but also about life itself. He often observed D’Alessandris on the training pitch with the players. “Coach was the consummate teacher and friend and I will miss him very much,” emphasized DeCosta.

President Sashi Brown added: “As true to character as he was, ‘Joe D’ was a fighter to the end.” One thing is certain: “His legacy, his light and his spirit will remain with us. ”

Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of Coach Joe D’Alessandris’ passing early this morning. pic.twitter.com/KftNJXEnhd

– Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 25, 2024

Baltimore Ravens: Joe D’Alessandris – Coach in the NFL since 2008

D’Alessandris has worked as a football coach since the late 1970s and got his first job in the NFL in 2008 with the Kansas City Chiefs, back then as an assistant offensive line coach. He then became the coach responsible for the front line of an offensive formation with the Buffalo Bills in 2010. D’Alessandris stayed there until 2012 and then moved on to the San Diego Chargers.

The Ravens announced he was hospitalized earlier this month for an acute illness that required ongoing treatment. A surgery earlier this summer had resulted in complications.

Because of D’Alessandris’ health problems, the Ravens hired George Warhop as interim O-line coach in mid-August. The 62-year-old will now most likely take over the position and is already familiar with the job from stints with the St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans.