Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris dead at 70
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 20: Offensive line coach Joe DAlessandris of the Baltimore Ravens works with players before the game against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taets
Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris died early Sunday, the team announced. He was 70.
D’Alessandris was hospitalized last week due to an acute illness. The team said at the time that he would require treatment for an extended period of time.
"Our hearts ache with grief and sadness upon learning of Coach Joe D'Alessandris' passing early this morning," the team said.
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: Indianapolis Colts Offensive Line Coach Joe D'Alessandris talks to Baltimore Ravens offensive line players in action during a NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens on November 08, 2020 at Luc
"’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.
"'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.
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"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."
AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 3: Offensive Line Coach Joe D'Alessandris of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets looks on during the game against the Auburn Tigers on September 3, 2005 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. Georgia Tech won 23-14. (Photo by B
D’Alessandris was a longtime coach in pro and college football. He started as a graduate assistant at Western Carolina in 1977 and got his first full-time job as offensive line coach at Livingston (now West Alabama) in 1979. He worked his way up the organizational ladder for several years. He also coached at the University of Memphis, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Samford University, Texas A&M, Duke, University of Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech.
He got his first assistant offensive line coach NFL job in 2008 with the Kansas City Chiefs. He then made his way to the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and later the Ravens in 2017.
"Coach 'Joe D.' was a man of integrity and a man of faith," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. "He made us all better. He was our reader at team Mass, and he was loved by all here.
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 05: Daniel Faalele #77 and Kyle Van Noy #50 of the Baltimore Ravens warm up as offensive line coach Joe DAlessandris instructs before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium on November 5, 2023 in Ba
"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."
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D’Alessandris’ career also spanned two stints in the Canadian Football League and two years in the World League of American Football.
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