His name was Tim McKernan but if you have ever watched on television or attended in person a Denver Broncos game you would know him by his nickname, Barrel Man.
For 32 years, Tim only wore a cowboy hat with boots and a large, orange Broncos barrel [held up by suspenders] around his waist after he was bet in 1977 by his brother that he could get on television with the outfit. Since then it is hard to watch a game and not see Barrel Man.
Now Barrell Man has passed away and with that the passing of an iconic fan. We’ll miss you, Barrel Man.
[via Denver Post] McKernan, better known as Barrel Man, died in his sleep Saturday morning of lung failure. He was 69.
The former mechanic for United Airlines began wearing a barrel in 1977 after making a $10 bet with his brother, Scott, that by wearing one during a Broncos game, he could get on television.
McKernan won the bet and the barrel he had painted to look like an Orange Crush soda can became his signature costume. It resulted in him becoming one of the Broncos’ most recognized fans.
“He liked the attention. He loved inspiring the fans and had a take- charge attitude,” said McKernan’s son, Todd, who said he was 17 when his dad first donned the costume.
“My kids grew up knowing grandpa in the barrel,” he added.
Tim McKernan had attended Broncos games since 1967 and had missed only four.
