It was just a few weeks ago, during a heated training camp workout, that Joe D’Alessandris told his offensive linemen that it would feel the same way on Sept. 5, during the season opener in Kansas City.

D’Alessandris won’t be there in person to coach his boys, but he will be there in spirit. The Ravens will carry the memories of D’Alessandris and Jacoby Jones with them throughout the 2024 season.

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

“Hopefully those Jacoby Jones and Joe D’Alessandris helmet tags will help remind us 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 this earth with. Treat them right, cherish them, celebrate them, love them and think of them.”

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

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

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

“We want to make him proud and keep moving forward,” veteran lineman Patrick Mekari said. “I think that’s what Joe D would want. Keep going and playing hard.”

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

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

In addition to his explosion on the field, Jones was adored for the joy he brought to life. He was an entertainer in every 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, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light.”