The Ravens’ highly-respected offensive line coach was hospitalized over the weekend with an “acute illness.”
The Baltimore Ravens announced in a statement on Wednesday that offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris is expected to miss an extended period of time after being hospitalized over the weekend with an acute illness. D’Alessandris will require ongoing treatment.
With D’Alessandris expected to miss such time, Head Coach John Harbaugh released a statement announcing they have hired offensive line coach George Warhop.
“Coach D’Alessandris is widely respected and cherished in our organization. As he focuses on his health, we offer him unwavering support,” Harbaugh stated. “In the interim, we welcome George Warhop to our coaching staff. With expertise in guiding top-level offensive linemen, his dedication and strong character will continue to develop our offensive line during Coach D’s absence.”
D’Alessandris is among the Ravens’ and NFL’s most respected coaches. From his commitment to developing young players to his kindness and respect off the field, he is one-of-one.
After Wednesday’s practice, Harbaugh gave an impromptu press conference to talk about D’Alessandris and tight end Mark Andrews, who was in a car accident on Wednesday morning.
“‘Joe D.’ – Joe D’Alessandris – we love ‘Joe D.’; and he had a surgery earlier in the summer, and it came back a little bit – some complications have arisen from it, so he’s in the hospital right now, and he’ll be focusing on his health for the next significant period of time,” Harbaugh said. “It’s a blow; it’s a blow; because he’s a great football coach – he’s beloved by the players [and] by the coaches. He’s [also] a top game planner [and] a top coach. He’s a huge part of our offense and he’s going to be missed very much –but we’re going to be much more concerned about his health, and his welfare and his wellbeing going forward. He has his daughters with him – his daughters have been amazing all summer – they’re the absolute best. I know he cherishes those girls, so it’s going to be OK.”