The Baltimore Ravens have had a difficult few months after parting ways with two former players this offseason. However, in 2024, the team intends to honour their legacy with a unique helmet decal.
Before the Ravens’ Week 1 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, the team announced that each player’s helmet will have a decal on it honouring former offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris, along with the late Jacoby Jones’ No. 12 and the words “Joe D”.
Jones died in July at the age of barely 40, while D’Alessandris went unexpectedly last month as a result of surgical complications.
Coach John Harbaugh stated on the team’s website, “Hopefully those helmet tags of Jacoby Jones and Joe D’Alessandris help to serve as a reminder to all of us that it’s about the people.” It has to do with the individuals in your life that you are here on Earth with. Be kind to them, treasure them, honour them, love them, and never forget them.”
Jones was a key component of the Baltimore team’s victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII during his three seasons there.
The Ravens Flock will never forget his 70-yard touchdown reception in the Divisional Round that forced overtime in the Broncos game, nor his heroics on special teams during the Super Bowl.
In the interim, D’Alessandris spent the most of the previous ten years on the Ravens sidelines after 45 years as a football coach.