Ravens announce tragic death of offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris following hospitalization

The Baltimore Ravens announced the tragic death of the team's offensive line coach, Joe D'Alessandris.

The NFL team announced earlier this month that 70-year-old D'Alessandris was suffering from an acute illness and required ongoing treatment.

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“Our Hearts Pain and sadness at the news of the untimely death of Coach Joe D'Alessandris this morning”, the Baltimore Ravens said in an X-post on Sunday afternoon.

The Ravens subsequently released a detailed statement on D'Alessandris' death, writing that he “lived a life of boundless faith, love, devotion and inspiration.”

“As a husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach, Joe made everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the world,” the statement continued.

“Everyone who was fortunate enough to spend time with Joe was forever touched by his sincere and uplifting manner.

“He had the amazingly rare ability to connect with people in a way that deepened respect, empathy and kindness and carried these important virtues further into the everyday life of the world.”

D'Alessandris had been Baltimore's offensive line coach since 2017.

He coached offensive lines for 45 years and previously worked for the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Invoicesand the then-San Diego Chargers as well as numerous college programs, including Duke and Pittsburgh.

In his statement, Ravens head coach Joe Harbaugh called D'Alessandris “Joe D.” and described him as a beloved grandfather and man of integrity who made everyone better.

Baltimore General Manager Eric Acosta also issued a statement on the devastating news.

“Today is a sad day for the Baltimore Ravens,” said General Manager Eric DeCosta.

“'Joe D.' was a rock, a great coach and an even better person. He cared deeply about the team and demonstrated a relentless passion for excellence while showing genuine love for his players.

“I particularly value the conversations we had with him about football and life. I will always remember standing with Joe on the training pitch and watching him up close with his players.”

“Coach was a great teacher and friend and I will miss him very much.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s daughters and family and all who were touched by Joe’s remarkable spirit.”

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When D'Alessandris' illness was announced, Harbaugh explained that he had undergone surgery in early summer and that complications had arisen.

D'Alessandris coached five Pro Bowl offensive linemen during his tenure with the Ravens – Marshall Yanda, Ronnie Stanley, Orlando Brown Jr., Tyler Linderbaum and Kevin Zeitler.

When D'Alessandra was out due to illness, the Ravens brought in George Warhop as a replacement.

The 62-year-old last played for the Houston Texans in 2022.

Warhop has worked for eight different NFL franchises.

Baltimore will play against the Chiefs in the league's season opener on September 5.