Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris dies at age 70
Joe D’Alessandris, offensive line coach of the Baltimore Ravens, died on Sunday morning. He was 70 years old.
The team made the announcement just 11 days after it was revealed that D’Alessandris had been hospitalized for an “acute medical condition.”
“Our hearts ache with grief and sadness,” the club said in a statement.
“‘Joe D.’ lived a life of boundless faith, love, dedication and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, Joe made everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the world.
“Everyone who was fortunate enough to spend time with Joe was forever touched by his genuine and uplifting manner. He had an amazingly rare ability to connect with people in a way that deepened respect, empathy and kindness – and to carry these important virtues further into the everyday life 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 that. But more importantly, it’s also an apt characterization of Joe D’Alessandris as a person – someone who undoubtedly created a legacy of love and impact that will live on forever.”
“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Joe’s family – especially his three incredible daughters – during this difficult time. Now that he is reunited with his late and beloved wife Toni, we know they are smiling from above and blessing all who love them with all their hearts.”
After decades of coaching at various college and professional programs, including the Canadian Football League and the World League of American Football, D’Alessandris landed his first NFL job with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he served as an assistant offensive line coach in 2008 and 2009. He later served as the O-line coach for the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers before joining the Ravens in 2017.
His units in Baltimore were generally successful, complementing the versatile talent of two-time league MVP Lamar Jackson. In 2019, the team rushed for 3,296 yards, the most yards ever by a team in a single season in NFL history.
D’Alessandris, whose coaching career spanned 45 years in total, faced a major challenge in 2024 after Baltimore lost three starters from last season, a major factor for a team that finished as the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs and advanced to the conference championship game before losing to the Chiefs. Longtime NFL assistant George Warhop joined the team when D’Alessandris fell ill earlier this month.
Now his team faces a much greater challenge in filling D’Alessandris’s vacancy as a person and coach.
“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and trust,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “He made us all better.”
“He was our team mess reader and was loved by everyone here. He was a great coach and a good man – the kind of person you are honored to have as a friend. He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters and was a most loving husband. His grandchildren adored him too. I admired him, loved him and will miss him because ‘Joe D.’ was a joy. Toni has him back now. May God bless ‘Joe D.’ forever.”
GM Eric DeCosta added, “Joe D. was a rock, a great coach and an even better person. He cared deeply about the team, demonstrated a relentless passion to excel, while also showing genuine love for his players. I especially cherish my conversations with him when we talk about football and life. I will always remember standing on the practice field with Joe and watching him up close with his players.
“Coach was a great teacher and friend and I will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s daughters and family and all who were touched by Joe’s remarkable spirit.”
The Ravens will play in the league’s 2024 kickoff game, facing the Chiefs again on September 5 in Kansas City.
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