Some things are just too crazy to believe. And so it was with the improbably story of The Barrel Man, and how he came to be.
Virtually every Denver broncos fan and a great many pro football fans are familiar with Tim McKernan and how he painted up a barrel on a bet with his brother, just to see if he could get on TV.
He got on TV, alright. Over and over again, national fame following his initially simple ploy.
Tim became symbolic of the passionate Broncos fans who follow, cheer for and believe in their team at all times, at all costs.
Including the risk of hypothermia, in Tim’s case.
I knew Tim McKernan since I started working for the Broncos in 1978, and despite the fame which seemed to increase annually he was all about the team.
No question, Tim derived great personal publicity in his role as The Barrel Man, but he was never about making a personal profit from his alter ego.
He always used his own ticket to get in, never asked for any free passes, home or away, and never asked for any of the very special attention that came his way.
Some fans do crazy stuff in the hopes that they can become some sort of NFL-stadium American Idol, but not Tim.
He cheered for his team, and did it his way.
His first year in the barrel was that fabled Super Bowl season of 1977, and his persona grew so fast that when the team plane headed out of Stapleton International Airport for Super Bowl XII, it was United Airlines mechanic Tim McKernan, dressed (or undressed, actually) in full barrel regalia—barrel, boots, and hat, all resplendent in orange—who waved the aircraft down the tarmac and into the Rocky Mountain sky.
His fame did not waiver form that year, and neither did his devotion to the Broncos.
Tim McKernan passed away last week, but his legacy will continue in the minds of Broncos fans.
Who can forget the image of a late middle aged man wearing an orange barrel outside for three hours in the coldest of days?
You are invited to comment about The Barrel Man. It’s our way of remembering him on this site.
For a photo gallery of the Barrel Man and everything he brought to Broncos games, click here.
Tags: The Barrel Man, Tim McKernan
Barrel man was an icon & true american pioneer in sports fanatics.He truely loved Denver Broncos Football & what it representedl!Barrel man we Love U!You will truely be missed!TY!!:)
RIP Barrel Man. I looked for you at a game I attended last year. Of all the things to look for in the Denver stadium, I said to my friends I had to see Barrel man.
RIP Brother, Is there no one to put on the barrell in rememberance, how bout a whole crew? come on Denver lets see the barrels come out for the Raiders and raise Tims spirit up GO CRUSH!!!
Barrel Man,
You were an icon to every Broncos fan across the nation. You set an example for being a true fan, who loved the team no matter what. We are sad this year for the loss of such a true lover of the orange and blue……You will never be forgotten, and I hope they reserve a spot for your name in the ring of fame. Go Broncos.
I am happy to see the Broncos Organization honor this page to the ” Barrel Man” I am 35 and live in Tennessee, I have been a Broncos fan most of my life, and Barrel Man was and is what the world knows to be a true fan, never to waiver, no matter what, the good, the bad, hot or cold, sunny or snowy, he was there, cheering and cheering loud, I hope everyone remembers him during each game out in Denver this year, because Barrel Man is looking down on us from Heaven cheering wearing his barrel, this time he has wings on the side of it, I wish the best for his family during this time, and to Barrel Man, God Bless you and rest in peace, we love you. Jody Albright Paris, Tennessee
I think I live in the house the.” BARREL MAN” grew up in. It’s for sale
I live in the house that the ” Barrel Man” grew up in. The house is going to be for sale. If interested. Please Email me. My name is Mary.