Current:Home > ScamsRavens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris dies at 70 after battling 'acute illness'-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris dies at 70 after battling 'acute illness'
View Date:2024-12-23 22:43:47
Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris died Sunday morning. He was 70.
The team made the announcement just 11 days after revealing D'Alessandris had been hospitalized while suffering from an "acute illness."
"Our hearts ache with grief and sadness," the club conveyed in a statement.
"'Joe D.' lived a life of boundless faith, love, devotion and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, Joe made every individual he encountered truly feel like they were the most important person in the world.
"Anyone fortunate enough to have spent time with Joe was forever touched by his genuine and uplifting nature. He had the amazingly rare ability to connect with people in a way that deepened respect, empathy and kindness – further spreading those important virtues into the everyday life of the world.
All things Ravens: Latest Baltimore Ravens news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
"'Force multiplier' is a football term sometimes used to describe an individual who makes everyone around him better. As a coach, he was certainly that. But far more importantly, it's also a proper characterization of Joe D'Alessandris as a person – someone who undoubtedly created a legacy of love and impact that will live on forever.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe's family – particularly his three incredible daughters – during this somber time. Now reunited with his late and precious wife, Toni, we know they are smiling down from above and blessing everyone they dearly love."
After decades of coaching at various college and professional programs, including in the Canadian Football League and World League of American Football, D'Alessandris got his first NFL posting with the Kansas City Chiefs, serving as their assistant offensive line coach in 2008 and 2009. He later had stints coaching the O-line for the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers before joining the Ravens in 2017.
His units in Baltimore typically thrived, complementing the multi-dimensional talent of two-time league MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. In 2019, the team rushed for 3,296 yards, the most ever by one club in a single season in NFL history.
D'Alessandris, whose coaching career spanned 45 years in sum, was facing a big challenge in 2024 after Baltimore lost three starters from last season's line, which was a major factor for a team that finished as the AFC's No. 1 playoff seed and advanced to the conference championship game before losing to the Chiefs. Longtime NFL assistant George Warhop joined the staff when D'Alessandris fell ill earlier this month.
Now, filling D'Alessandris' void as a man and coach loom as far more daunting challenges for his team.
"Coach 'Joe D.' was a man of integrity and a man of faith," said Ravens coach John Harbaugh in a statement. "He made us all better.
"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. 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."
Added GM Eric DeCosta: "'Joe D.' was a rock, a great coach and a better person. He cared about the team deeply, exhibiting a relentless passion to excel while displaying genuine love for his players. I especially treasure my conversations with him, talking about football and life. I will always remember standing back with Joe on the practice field and watching him up close with his players.
"Coach was the consummate teacher and friend, and I will miss him deeply. Our thoughts and prayers go to Joe’s daughters and family and everyone touched by Joe’s remarkable spirit.”
The Ravens will play in the league's 2024 kickoff game, facing the Chiefs again in Kansas City on Sept. 5.
***Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.
veryGood! (48372)
Related
- 1 dead, 2 children injured in wrong-way crash; driver suspected of DWI: Reports
- Fantasy football kicker rankings for Week 3: Who is this week's Austin Seibert?
- The Fate of Pretty Little Liars Reboot Revealed After 2 Seasons
- Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield says Tom Brady created 'high-strung' environment
- Rachael Ray Details Getting Bashed Over Decision to Not Have Kids
- Norway’s Plan for Seabed Mining Threatens Arctic Marine Life, Greenpeace Says
- Lizzo Responds to Ozempic Allegations After Debuting Weight Loss Transformation
- Closing arguments begin in civil trial over ‘Trump Train’ encounter with Biden-Harris bus in Texas
- King Charles III celebrates 76th birthday amid cancer battle, opens food hubs
- Judge dismisses lawsuit seeking to protect dolphins along the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Ranking
- Early Week 11 fantasy football rankings: 30 risers and fallers
- A dozen Tufts lacrosse players were diagnosed with a rare muscle injury
- Caitlin Clark rewrites WNBA record book: Inside look at rookie's amazing season
- Dan Evans, former Republican governor of Washington and US senator, dies at 98
- Nicky Hilton Shares Her Christmas Plans With Paris, the Secret To Perfect Skin & More Holiday Gift Picks
- Michigan deputy jumps into action to save 63-year-old man in medical emergency: Video
- National Queso Day 2024: Try new spicy queso at QDOBA and get freebies, deals at restaurants
- Were warning signs ignored? Things to know about this week’s testimony on the Titan sub disaster
Recommendation
-
Walmart Planned to Remove Oven Before 19-Year-Old Employee's Death
-
Mississippi mayor says a Confederate monument is staying in storage during a lawsuit
-
Golden Bachelorette Contestant Gil Ramirez Faced Restraining Order Just Days Before Filming
-
Kristen Bell Reveals Husband Dax Shephard's Reaction to Seeing This Celebrity On her Teen Bedroom Wall
-
Joan says 'Yes!' to 'Golden Bachelorette' finale fantasy beach proposal. Who did she pick?
-
Many players who made their MLB debuts in 2020 felt like they were ‘missing out’
-
How to recognize the signs and prevent abuse in youth sports
-
1,000-Lb. Sisters' Tammy Slaton Addresses 500-Pound Weight Loss in Motivational Message