Fred Kail (1937–2026)
Published by Legacy on January 7, 2026
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 on legacy.com. 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.