The Baltimore Ravens have announced the death of Joe D’Alessandris, their offensive line coach.
D’Alessandris was 70 and had been hospitalized with what the Ravens said was an acute illness.
The organization said he had suffered complications following surgery earlier this summer and was expected to require ongoing treatment.
“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better,” head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “He was our reader at the team mass and everyone here loved him.
‘He was a great coach and a good man, the kind of person you’d be honored to have as a friend. He raised three amazing, beautiful daughters and was an extremely loving husband.
The Baltimore Ravens announced the passing of coach Joe D’Alessandris at age 70
D’Alessandris had been working for the Ravens since 2017 and had been an NFL coach for 15 years.
‘His grandchildren adored him too. I admired him, I loved him and I will miss him, because ‘Joe D.’ was a joy. Toni has him back now. May God bless ‘Joe D.’ forever.’
D’Alessandris lost his wife Toni in 2022 after 42 years of marriage. He leaves behind three daughters.
The Ravens had hired George Warhop to cover for D’Alessandris. Their season begins in 11 days when they face the Super Bowl winners, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sept. 5 at Arrowhead Stadium.
“Joe D.” was beloved throughout our organization and the NFL community,” team president Sashi Brown said. “He was a passionate and dedicated football coach who left an indelible mark on the lives of many.
‘Above all, he was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who always put his faith and family first.
True to his character, “Joe D.” was a fighter to the very end. We are heartbroken for his daughters, Kelly, Emily and Anna, and his five grandchildren.
‘We take comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his late wife, Toni, whom he loved dearly.’
D’Alessandris was an NFL coach for 15 years, working for the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Chargers before joining the Ravens in 2017.
He also worked for numerous teams at the college level, including Duke and Georgia Tech.
The Ravens enter the new NFL season as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl in New Orleans next year, behind top contenders the Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.