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.