CNN
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Joe D'Alessandris, offensive line coach of the Baltimore Ravens, has died at the age of 70. announced on Sunday.
Earlier this month, the team announced that D'Alessandris was hospitalized for an acute illness and would require long-term treatment. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said at the time that D'Alessandris had undergone surgery over the summer and had experienced complications.
D'Alessandris, who joined the Ravens in 2017, spent 45 years as a coach, including stints in the Canadian Football League, World League and college football, before joining the NFL. Before coming to Baltimore, he was an assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and the then-San Diego Chargers.
“Coach 'Joe D' was a man of integrity and a man of faith,” Harbaugh said in a statement Sunday. “He made us all better. He was our reader at the team mess and was loved by everyone here. He was a great coach and a good man – the kind of person you are honored to have as a friend. I admired him, loved him and will miss him because 'Joe D' was a joy.”
Earlier this month, the Ravens hired George Warhop to temporarily fill D'Alessandris' role.
“Today is a sad day for the Baltimore Ravens,” Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta said in a opinion“'Joe D' was a rock, a great coach and an even better person. He cared deeply about the team, demonstrated a relentless passion to excel, while also showing genuine love for his players. I especially cherish my conversations with him where we talked about football and life.
“I will always remember standing on the training pitch with Joe and watching him up close with his players. The coach was the perfect 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.”
