Fred Kail Jr.

33 years ago, I was fortunate enough to meet a truly amazing man. We were neighbors and spent hours and hours talking about art, sports and changes in the human condition. He loved football, being a huge Steelers fan since he grew up there. When he graduated from the Art Institute he was gradually indoctrinated in the Colts culture. We had lunch or dinner together every week with very few exceptions. His love of art was only exceeded by his love for his family! Fred was a truly unique individual and my best friend. I only Hope GOD likes French Onion soup! Fair winds and following Seas my friend! You will be missed by many!

The Unitas Family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Kail Family. John and Fred shared a strong bond that went way beyond artist and subject. They were close friends who spent countless hours together over the years. Their common bond was a passion for football and love for their respective families.

On a professional level Fred is known for his incredible sports sculptures including the Tewaaraton Award, and the Ray Lewis and John Unitas statue outside of M&T Stadium. Fred was the driving force when it came to getting John's statue funded. An even more impressive feat was getting John to agree to the statue. John was well known for his extremely humble nature but those close to him, including Fred, knew his stubbornness could be extreme too. After John relented, Fred went to work and the two spent many hours meeting. One thing that really impressed John about Fred's process was his meticulous attention to detail. He studied John, as John would an opposing defense. For one meeting, at his studio, Fred asked John to bring his famous black high top cleats with him. He had John to put the shoes on and tie them. While doing so, Fred made notes on what foot he started with, what lace, right or left, crossed the other, and how big the loops were in the laces. Once finished, as all great quarterbacks do, Fred being the quarterback in his studio, he asked John to...do it again. God bless you Fred and the entire Kail family.