McKernan, who spent 30 years as Broncos' 'Barrel Man,' dies at 69
NFL.com Wire Reports
David Zalubowski / Associated Press
Tim McKernan, aka "Barrel Man," exhorted Broncos fans to root for their team.
Relatives say Tim McKernan, the Denver Broncos fan known for wearing little more than a barrel at games, 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. He retired from being the "Barrel Man" after the 2007 season.
McKernan sold the barrel that he wore during 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.
The Broncos visit the AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
