Ravens assistant coach Joe D’Alessandris dies at 70

Ravens assistant coach Joe D’Alessandris dies at 70

The Baltimore Ravens organization is mourning the death of assistant coach Joe D’Alessandris.

D’Alessandris had been suffering from an acute illness. The OL coach was 70.

“Coach ‘Joe D.’ was a man of integrity and a man of faith. He made us all better,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “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.”

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“Today is a sad day for the Baltimore Ravens. ‘Joe D.’ was a rock, a great coach and a better person,” General Manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “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.”

“‘Joe D.’ was beloved throughout our entire organization and the greater NFL community,” Team President Sashi Brown stated. “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.”