Ravens wear helmet decals in honor of Joe D'Alessandris and Jacoby Jones

Just a few weeks ago, during a heated training camp, Joe D'Alessandris told his offensive linemen that it would feel the same way on September 5th in the season opener in Kansas City.

D'Alessandris won't be there in person to coach his guys, but he will be there in spirit. The Ravens will cherish the memories of D'Alessandris and Jacoby Jones throughout the 2024 season.

On Tuesday, the team unveiled the helmet decal that all players will wear in honor of the deceased Ravens legends. The decal will be located on the back of the helmet, just above each player's number.

“Hopefully these Jacoby Jones and Joe D'Alessandris helmet charms serve as a reminder that it's about the people,” said head coach John Harbaugh. “It's about the people in your life that you share this time on earth with. Treat them right, appreciate them, celebrate them, love them and think of them.”

D'Alessandris died on August 25, 11 days after being hospitalized for an “acute illness.” He was revered for the kindness with which he treated everyone and the offensive linemen he trained with a father's hand.

D'Alessandris was an NFL coach for 17 seasons, including seven in Baltimore. He began his NFL career in Kansas City, where the Ravens will open the season. The Ravens' offensive linemen dedicated this season to the man they affectionately called “Joe D.”

“When you lose one of the best guys in this building, it's certainly tough,” center Tyler Linderbaum said this week. “We're doing this for Joe D.”

“We want to make him proud and keep going,” said veteran lineman Patrick Mekari. “I think that's what Joe D would have wanted. Keep going and play hard.”

“He touched a lot of lives and was a great man,” added guard Andrew Vorhees. “Now it's our job to honor him with the way we play and the way we conduct ourselves throughout the season.”

Jones died suddenly in his hometown of New Orleans on July 14. One of the heroes of the Ravens' 2012 season and Super Bowl XLVII, Jones scored the “Mile High Miracle” to force overtime in the divisional playoff game in Denver and scored two touchdowns in the Super Bowl.

In addition to his explosive performance on the field, Jones was also admired for the joy he brought to life. He was an entertainer in the truest sense of the word, constantly making his teammates, coaches and fans laugh.

“I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did,” Harbaugh said when Jones died. “His spirit, his enthusiasm and his love for people were powerful. He was a beacon of light.”