Baltimore Ravens Offensive Line Coach Joe D’Alessandris passed away this weekend due to an undisclosed illness at 70.
Tributes poured in from all over the football world, with former Ravens center Matt Skura providing one of the deepest and most powerful.
Skura was signed as an undrafted free agent by Baltimore in May 2016. He went on to become a regular starter for the Ravens, first at the right guard position during his rookie year and then at center for the next three seasons.
The mentoring and coaching of D’Alessandris were critical to Skura’s development and ascension.
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“There are a few special people that go beyond the call of ‘coach’ and impact your life the way Joe D did for me,” Skura wrote on his Instagram account.
“He was truly invested in all his players’ lives and cared about how they grew as men. Our conversations would make my day and made me feel everything was going to be okay.
“Thank you for making me a better husband, father, and person. Your legacy will carry on through the lives you touched.”
Those are very touching words from the six-year NFL veteran.
Over a four-year span, Skura played in 54 games for Baltimore, starting 51 of them. The Columbus, Ohio, native is currently without a team after spending the 2023 season on the Miami Dolphins practice squad.