The Broncos lose a family member --- RIP "Barrel Man"

[givemebackmycountry]

Tim McKernan, the "Barrel Man," to Broncos fans, dies




Tim McKernan, known to legions of Denver Broncos fans and television viewers as the Barrel Man, died early today, relatives said.

McKernan had been suffering from terminal lung disease.

For more than 30 seasons, McKernan appeared at Broncos games clad in a barrel and a cowboy hat.

McKernan retired in 2007 at the age of 67. He donated the barrel he wore in his last game to the Broncos' charities.

His first barrel, modeled after an Orange Crush bottle, was on exhibit in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

This report will be updated later today as more details are gathered.


I have tailgated with this guy outside both the old and the new Mile High.
He was a sweet man and a MAJOR Broncos fan and he will be missed by everyone that loves the Orange and Blue.

Now lets beat the piss out of the Chiefs tomorrow to honor his memory.
He would like that.

[fishwax]

1. shit, that sucks

I remember watching Broncos games as a kid and getting a kick out of seeing him in the stands. :)

RIP, Tim McKernan.

[rockymountaindem]

2. Well, my heart just sank a little

I'll be cheering extra hard for the Broncos tomorrow from over here in Boston.

[Scurrilous]

3. I'm suprised the cause of death wasn't exposure. n/t

[Auggie]

4. How does one, uh, relieve oneself in that get-up?

Is there a trap door?

[givemebackmycountry]

5. Auggie

He drank enough beer that I'm sure he had that figured out.
If you got up close to Tim and tried to discover what he was wearing under that barrel he would grab you and give you a big hug.

HE was a true character.

[LisaM]

6. There's a couple of guys at Wyoming games who do this

RIP, Barrel Man. :(

[trotsky]

7. I remember hearing he had "retired."

Damn, every time I saw him I could only think of that metal rim bumping up against you in some of those cold-ass Denver winter games.

A true NFL fan, and will be missed.

[joeybee12]

8. That's too bad...RIP

[Dr. Strange]

9. Aw, man.

:cry: :patriot: