Barrel Man, We Hardly Knew Ye
By Wyatt Earp | December 6, 2009
If you’re a Denver Broncos fan like me, you know Barrel Man. Barrel Man was always in the stands at Mile High Stadium, wearing a giant Barrel – and not much else. He was a fixture at Broncos games for decades until he retired a few years ago.
Barrel Man, whose real name was Tim McKernan, was the guy who got the home crowd riled up, and a lot of the Orange Crush faithful loved him. Broncos games won’t be the same anymore.
It’s a damned shame.
DENVER — Relatives say Tim McKernan, the Denver Broncos fan known for wearing little more than a barrel at games, has died. McKernan died of lung disease early Friday. He was 69.
For 30 years, in all types of weather, McKernan donned a barrel and cheered on the Broncos, first at Mile High Stadium and then later at INVESCO Field at Mile High.
McKernan sold the barrel he wore for Super Bowl XXXII for $30,000. It was autographed by 49 players and was sold to a Black Hawk casino. McKernan gave part of the proceeds to a battered women’s shelter. (H/T – FOXNews)
Rest in peace, Barrel Man! You will be missed.
Topics: Denver Broncos | 8 Comments »
December 6th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Looks like he’s sporting the “Obamanomics Recovery” chic!
December 6th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
As a Denver resident and supporter of the Broncos though not a rabid fan I did always enjoy the antics and excitement that Tim brought to the games. Often more entertaining than the games themselves.
You have been and always will be missed Tim.
R.I.P.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae277/RAPH6969/12-6-09.jpg
December 6th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Proof – Hopefully,there are plenty to go around.
RAPH – Nice to see them crush the Chiefs today for Barrel Man.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
RIP Sir, rest in peace…
December 6th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Yes it was Wyatt……..yes it was.
Most points scored against KC @ KC in Broncos history.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Well, that is sad. I remember seeing him on television a lot when I was younger.
December 6th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Old NFO – Agreed.
RAPH – Sweet! Now if only the Chargers could lose . . .
RT – He always got a little camera time.