Fred Kail Obituary
BALTIMORE, MD - Fred Kail, a legendary artist behind the iconic bronze statues of Johnny Unitas and Ray Lewis at M&T Bank Stadium, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at age 89.
A graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art (1959), Fred's career was defined by a tenacity born from his teenage battle with polio. Despite being told he would never walk again, through sheer determination, he did return to the football field with a brace. He later coached high school football, bringing that same grit to the sidelines.
Fred rose to become a prominent sports sculptor, pioneering the first "Joe Jolter" collectibles before moving on to monumental public works. His portfolio includes the prestigious Tewaaraton Trophy and pieces held in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Beyond the stadium, he was a respected Creative Director and a master painter who spent his final days in his studio creating paintings which captured a nostalgia for days gone by and his love of nature. With each sunset, he always said, "that would make a great painting."
Legacy He is survived by his daughters, Abbe Wachs and Rennie Friedlander; son-in-law Brian Friedlander; his grandchildren, Rachael Wachs, Katie Soth-Kimmel (Gordon), Sarah Wachs, and Emily Plotkin (Corey); his great-grandson, Michael Soth-Kimmel; his former wife, Sondra Kelly; and many close and wonderful friends. His statues serve as a permanent link to the city's history of football.
A Journalistic Tribute
Rather than a traditional funeral service, a video journalistic tribute memorial is being created to honor Fred's life and legacy. Recognizing that many of Fred's friends and colleagues are spread across the country and unable to travel, this digital memorial will allow everyone to participate in celebrating his journey.
If you have any memories, photos, or quotes you would like to see included in this tribute, please post them in the guest book. If you wish, please include your email address with your entry so that the family can send you a copy of the video once it is completed.
Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Frank Wilfong
January 9, 2026
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!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Sandra Unitas
January 8, 2026
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.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Fred Kail's name
People and places connected with Fred
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Fred's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Fred Kail's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
