Baltimore Ravens have announced the death of Joe D’Alessandris, their offensive line coach.
D’Alessandris was 70 years old and had been in hospital with what the Ravens said was an acute illness.
The organization said he had endured complications after surgery earlier this summer and was expected to need 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 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. He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters, and he was a most loving husband.
Baltimore Ravens have announced the death of coach Joe D’Alessandris at 70 years old
D’Alessandris had been working for the Ravens since 2017 and had been an NFL coach 15 years
‘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 lost his wife Toni in 2022 after 42 years of marriage. He leaves three daughters behind.
The Ravens had hired George Warhop to cover D’Alessandris. Their season starts in 11 days when they take on Super Bowl winners Kansas City Chiefs on September 5 at Arrowhead Stadium.
”Joe D.’ was beloved throughout our entire organization and the greater NFL community,’ Team President Sashi Brown said. ‘He was a passionate and devoted football coach who left an indelible mark on the lives of many.
‘Above all, he was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who always prioritized his faith and family.
‘True to character, “Joe D.” was a fighter to the very end. Our hearts are broken for his daughters, Kelly, Emily and Anna, and his five grandchildren.
‘We take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his late wife, Toni, whom he loved dearly.’
D’Alessandris was an NFL coach for 15 years and he worked for the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and the Chargers before joining the Ravens in 2017.
He also worked for numerous teams at college level, such as Duke and Georgia Tech.
The Ravens enter the new NFL season as one the favorites to win the Super Bowl in New Orleans next year, behind leading contenders the Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
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