Bronco's "Barrel Man" passes away

"Barrel Man" passes away
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on December 5, 2009 4:09 PM ET
One of the most famous fans in NFL history died on Friday.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/12/05/barrel-man-passes-away/

Tim McKernan, known as "Barrel Man" to anyone who watched a Broncos game over the last 30 years, passed away at the age of 67. McKernan was suffering from terminal lung disease.

McKernan wore a gigantic orange barrel - and little else but a Cowboy hat -- to Broncos games. He "retired" his game duties in 2007

http://www.denverpost.com/commented/ci_13934615?source=commented-#comments

Tim "Barrel Man" McKernan, an avid Broncos fan who was known for wearing a barrel, cowboy hat, cowboy boots and not much else, died in his sleep this morning of lung failure. He was 69.

McKernan, a former United Airlines mechanic, began wearing a barrel in 1977 after making a $10 bet with his brother, Scott, that by wearing one he could get on television.

McKernan won the bet and the barrel he had painted to look like an Orange Crush soda can became his signature costume and resulted in him becoming one of the Broncos' most recognized fans and a popular mascot.