Ravens offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris, who was hospitalized earlier this month due to an acute illness, died early Sunday morning, the team announced. He was 70 years old.
"'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," the team said in a statement. "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. 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."
D'Alessandris was hospitalized over the weekend of Aug. 10 because of an illness that required ongoing treatment for an extended period of time. The Ravens then hired George Warhop to fulfill OL coaching duties in the interim.
"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 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."
D'Alessandris was an integral part of Baltimore's most consistent feature on offense since his arrival in 2017. The Ravens' O-line paved the way for one of the league's top rushing attacks perennially during that span, including a 2019 season when Baltimore broke the single-season team rushing record (3,296 yards).
In 2023, the Ravens finished with the league's top rushing offense (156.5 yards per game), marking the sixth straight year in which Baltimore ended a season with a top-three ground game.
D'Alessandris began his NFL coaching career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2008 after 30-plus years in the college ranks. He spent multiple seasons with the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers before landing in Baltimore.