Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris dies at 70

Baltimore Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris died early Sunday, the team announced. He was 70.

D’Alessandris was hospitalized last week with an acute illness, with the team indicating at the time that he would need treatment for an extended period of time.

“Our hearts are filled with grief and sadness to learn of the passing of Coach Joe D’Alessandris early this morning,” the team said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris addresses players on the sideline during the preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium on August 9, 2024, in Baltimore. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

“Joe D.” lived a life of boundless faith, love, dedication, and inspiration. As a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and coach, Joe made every person he met feel like the most important person in the world.

“All who were fortunate enough to spend time with Joe were forever touched by his genuine and encouraging nature. He had the incredibly rare ability to connect with people in a way that deepened respect, empathy, and kindness – spreading these important virtues into the world’s everyday lives.

“The term ‘force multiplier’ is sometimes used in football to describe an individual who makes everyone around him better. As a coach, he certainly was. But, more importantly, it is also an apt characterization of Joe D’Alessandris as a person – someone who has undoubtedly created a legacy of love and impact that will live on forever.

Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris works with players before the game against the Carolina Panthers at M&T Bank Stadium on November 20, 2022, in Baltimore. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

COWBOYS’ LATEST ALL-PRO CORNER DARON BLAND TO MISS PART OF SEASON AFTER RECORD-SETTING 2023 CAMPAIGN

“We extend our deepest condolences to Joe’s family, especially his three incredible daughters, during this dark time. Now reunited with his late and precious wife, Toni, we know they are smiling down from above and blessing all those they loved dearly.”

D’Alessandris was a longtime professional and college football coach. He started as a graduate assistant at Western Carolina in 1977 and got his first full-time job as an offensive line coach at Livingston (now West Alabama) in 1979. He worked his way up the organization for several years.

He got his first NFL assistant offensive line coaching job in 2008 with the Kansas City Chiefs. He then moved to the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and later the Ravens in 2017.

“Coach Joe D. was a man of integrity and a man of faith,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “He made us all better. He was our player at Mass., and he was loved by everyone here.”

Ravens offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris gives instructions before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium on November 5, 2023, in Baltimore. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

“He was a great coach and a good man, the kind of person you are honored to have as a friend. He raised three amazing, beautiful daughters, and he was a very loving husband. His grandchildren adored him as well. I admired him, I loved him, and I will miss him because ‘Joe D.’ was a joy. Toni has him back now. God bless ‘Joe D.’ forever.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

D’Alessandris’ career also spanned two stints in the Canadian Football League and two years in the World League of American Football.

Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.