Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris died at age 70, the team announced Sunday.
His passing comes less than two weeks after the team said he had been diagnosed with an “acute illness” and would require “ongoing treatment for an extended period of time.”
“‘Joe D.’ was beloved throughout our entire organization and the greater NFL community,” Ravens president Sashi Brown said in a statement Sunday. “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.”
D’Alessandris was entering his eighth season as the team’s offensive line coach, culminating his 45 years in the profession. With the Ravens, he coached five Pro Bowl offensive linemen: Orlando Brown Jr., Tyler Linderbaum, Ronnie Stanley, Marshal Yanda and Kevin Zeitler.
“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith,” head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “He made us all better. … 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. His grandkids also adored him. I admired him, loved him and am going to miss him, because ‘Joe D.’ was a joy.”
D’Alessandris served as the offensive line coach of the Buffalo Bills (2010-12) and San Diego Chargers (2013-15) before coming to Baltimore in 2017. His many career stops included time in the Canadian Football League and Division I and II college football.
The Ravens offensive line is coached now by George Warhop, who was hired earlier this month as D’Alessandris took his medical leave.
–Field Level Media
