'Barrel Man' Tim McKernan dies

Tim McKernan, aka 'The Barrel Man," retired his unofficial mascot duties in 2007. He died Friday at age 69 after sufferinf from several health issues, including lung disease since 2003. (AP Photo)

 

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Tim McKernan, otherwise known to Broncos fans as "The Barrel Man," died Friday.

Relatives told The Denver Post of his death. McKernan had been suffering from terminal lung disease. McKernan was 69.

He retired his barrel in 2007 after more than 30 seasons of sporting only a barrel over his bare chest and a cowboy hat at Broncos games. McKernan donated the last barrel he wore at a game to the Broncos' charities.

His first barrel was modeled after an Orange Crush bottle. It was on exhibit at the Pro Football Hallf of Fame in Canton, Ohio at one time.

Acccording to Wikipedia, McKernan has had several health issues since 2003, He had an abdominal aneurysm rupture that year. Doctors restricted his wearing of the barrel to one half during Broncos game because of his lung issues. He also could only wear the barrel when the temperature was above freezing.

A retired mechanic for United Airlines for 40 years, McKernan and his wife live in Gunnison, but spent their offseasons traveling in their recreational vehicle. Living in the cramped spaces of an RV, McKernan was forced to sell his Super Bowl XXXII barrel for $30,000. The barrel, autographed by 49 Broncos from their first Super Bowl winning team, was sold to a Black Hawk casino. McKernan gave 10 percent of his profits to Jubilee House, battered women's shelter in Gunnison.