“There are a few special people that go beyond the call of ‘coach’ and impact your life the way Joe D did for me.” Former Baltimore’s OL Matt Skura expressed his sentiments writing how he felt about the loss of Joe D’Alessandris. And yes, some coaches do indeed go beyond that call and become a part of your family. In this case, Coach D, as he was affectionately called, became part of the Ravens. And Lamar Jackson, just like other players, paid his homage to the late Joe with a rather emotional reference.

Speaking on the Baltimore Ravens’ The Lounge podcast, on 29th August, Lamar was asked to describe the mood in the camp and how he personally felt after hearing about the passing away of Joe. The Raven QB was smiling when he reminisced, “Magic man, he called me magic man, you know.” There’s an age-old adage that once you lose someone close to you, all the memories just flash past. Guess that is what Lamar was going through.

But that’s not how he started. He noted that he was asleep when the quarterbacks’ coach, Tee Martin, woke him out of his sleep with this heartbreaking announcement. Lamar said, “So Coach T was calling me, like, ‘Yeah man, I’m sorry to bother you, but coach Joe D has passed’.” The reigning MVP further said that the news took him off-guard because Joe was doing good. And he did not take the news well and kind of texted Coach Martin to not break bad news like that. Well, no one would like to wake up to that.

Although Lamar admitted the news came as a surprise to him, but Joe D’Alessandris was in fact battling acute illness. The 70-year-old even left the Ravens earlier in August to receive treatment. Tragically, the illness that got the best of the man. Fly high, chief, like the Raven you are. 7 years, that’s how long he had been coaching in Baltimore (since 2017). A year later, Lamar got drafted after 3 years of college football for the Louisville Cardinals. “I’m so used to Joe D always smiling, good energy, good vibes. And like, Magic Man. He called me ‘Magic Man’ you know. He like, ‘Man, I used to watch your games in Louisville, and you that guy, Magic Man’,” Lamar recalled.

But now that light is gone. And it would be felt, no doubt. The 27-year-old signal caller summed it up beautifully: “For me not to hear that [Magic man], like, throughout the season [anymore], and everyday I [can’t] see him, it’s going to be, like, a little… I don’t know how to. I can’t find a word to use, but it’s going to be different.” It would not just be different for Lamar Jackson, but for the whole camp.

Lamar Jackson was not alone in mourning Joe D’Alessandris’ passing

Before the appearance on the podcast, the QB1 took to his Instagram and posted a story to pay his respect to the late OL coach. It was a simple, “Get your rest, coach.” And a well-deserved rest, to say the least. Picture this: In seven seasons with the Ravens, he mentored five Pro Bowl linemen, including stars like Marshal Yanda and Ronnie Stanley. Not only that, Joe D. turned Baltimore’s O-line into a top-10 unit in both run and pass blocking.

But his impact went beyond the field. From leading game-day mass to inspiring everyone with his dedication and faith, Joe was the heart of the Ravens. As GM Eric DeCosta said, “Coach was the consummate teacher and friend.” Well, there’s grief and there’s remembrance and the Baltimore camp brought a mixture of both, as Joe D. deserved it. The team’s official X handle wrote, “Our hearts ache with grief and sadness.” And John Harbaugh, the HC, chose to highlight Joe’s presence beyond his gridiron presence as a coach. “He was a good man. He raised three incredible, beautiful daughters and was a most loving husband. His grandkids adored him. May God bless Joe. D forever.”

The best tribute to Coach D would be an SB dedicated to him. And guess what, the Ravens know it. George Warhop has already taken reigns as the OL coach and the ‘Magic Man’ is setting his sights on that shiny Lombardi Trophy as he said on the podcast, “I would be on the guys more now [to win the Super Bowl].”

Lamar Jackson had his say. Who can stop the Ravens from flying high in the 2024 season with the spirit of Joe D in their wings? Let us know what do you think of Baltimore’s chances of winning the SB this season.