Barrel Man's Last Game

I heard a news report the other night that this Sunday, Nov. 22 against the Chargers, Barrel Man Tim McKernan will be in attendance at Invesco Field @ Mile High for the final time. He was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and given 2-6 months to live. I can't find an internet source, but I saw it on 9NEWS. Thoughts and prayers. And please, put this man in the Ring of Fame.

about 2 years ago wtnelson 25 comments 1 recs |

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Put this man in the Ring

now. Write or call the front office. Enough support will get something done.

John Clayton is the head Dean at Fail University (known as F.U. in short)

Formerly known as Calijoefornia

by Joe Medina on Nov 20, 2009 12:28 AM MST reply actions

Amen!

I’m 35 and I can’t be the only one who became a fan in part from enjoying Barrel Man as a kid.

Contact info:

Executive Offices and Training Facility
13655 Broncos Parkway
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 649-9000

Denver Broncos Marketing Department
INVESCO Field at Mile High
1701 Bryant St.
Suite 900
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 258-3100

by SeanH on Nov 20, 2009 7:49 AM MST up reply actions

I don’t mean him any harm, particularly when he’s so ill, but why put him in the ring of fame? I don’t get it – he’s just a guy who decided to wear a barrel to a Denver Gold game once and then carried the idea over to the broncos. Sure, he’s stuck with it over the years, but wearing a barrel is not really a huge acheivement.

Belief is accepting something because you’ve been convinced to do so, whether you like it or not. Faith is accepting something because you want to accept it.

by Hercules Rockefeller on Nov 20, 2009 7:59 AM MST up reply actions

Seriously?

Wow, this guy started the “super fan” gig seen around the league now.

Hang on folks, road's a little bumpy in these spots.

by pubkeeper on Nov 20, 2009 3:24 PM MST up reply actions

You really should ask some Bronco fans about Barrel Man and what he means to the team.

He means much more than your average diehard fan. He’s been with the team for decades and alongside Bronco Betty, you will not find bigger Broncos fans anywhere. I don’t even think anyone on MHR would be bold enough to say they are bigger fans than him. He is a Broncos legend.

John Clayton is the head Dean at Fail University (known as F.U. in short)

Formerly known as Calijoefornia

by Joe Medina on Nov 20, 2009 3:45 PM MST up reply actions

I don't doubt his cred as a fan, but...

Sure, he’s been amazingly consistent as a fan, and I give him credit for that. but we’re all fans in our own way, he just decided to show up to games wearing a barrel. That’s creative, but I don’t see how that’s on the same level as what the average ring of fame member has fought for and achieved over the years.

IMO, the Ring should only be for players, coaches and maybe a long time owner such as Bowlen, with preference to players over coaches and owners. I’d say an owner or coach would have to put in many, many years to considered alongside someone who’s fought and worked on the field. Maybe that’s just my opinion, but I find it hard to equate a non-achievement with heroics on the field

Belief is accepting something because you’ve been convinced to do so, whether you like it or not. Faith is accepting something because you want to accept it.

by Hercules Rockefeller on Nov 27, 2009 9:50 AM MST up reply actions

At least get your facts right, Hercules

Tim McKernan first attended a Broncos game with a barrel in October of 1978, years before the start of the USFL.

by sdbaseballfan on Nov 20, 2009 3:48 PM MST up reply actions

Thank you for the clarification

… I should check my sources better!

Belief is accepting something because you’ve been convinced to do so, whether you like it or not. Faith is accepting something because you want to accept it.

by Hercules Rockefeller on Nov 27, 2009 9:44 AM MST up reply actions

I guess,

he just doesn’t mean as much to you as he does to me. I have no second thoughts at all about him being set up for the Ring.

by idahobronc on Nov 20, 2009 11:48 PM MST up reply actions

Oh man. That is not good. I'll be praying for him Tim and the McKernan family.

I agree. He should be put in the ring or given an award from the broncos or something. There’s no doubt he is the epitome of a fan and he needs to get some kind of recognition. He has earned it.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by Troy Hufford on Nov 20, 2009 7:05 AM MST reply actions

They need to put him in the Ring while he still has time...to take it with him...Sad, very sad!

by BroncoSense72 on Nov 20, 2009 7:18 AM MST reply actions

Very sad.

My thoughts are with you Barrel Man. You will be missed!

by tunga77 on Nov 20, 2009 7:24 AM MST reply actions

I don't think he belongs in the Ring of Fame...

But a 9-foot bronze Barrel Man on the concourse in front of the South Stands would be appropriate.

I’d donate to the Barrel Man Statue fund in a heartbeat!

by Velveeta on Nov 20, 2009 8:17 AM MST reply actions 5 recs

Agreed.

If Taylor Swift were to try and tackle me, I'd let her.

by Troy Hufford on Nov 20, 2009 8:34 AM MST up reply actions

This is more what I am thinking

Big bronze statue of the Barrel Man!

"Take what you can. Give nothing back!"

by Colorado_Kitten on Nov 20, 2009 8:45 AM MST up reply actions

That would be apropos.

Character may be manifested in the great moments but it is made in the small ones -- Philip Brooks

by KaptainKirk on Nov 20, 2009 8:47 AM MST up reply actions

I was going to agree with the Ring of Fame idea ...

But this might be more appropriate if anything is going to be done for him. He is probably the hardest working (unofficial) cheerleader in the stands at almost every game for as long as I can remember.

by CompUser on Nov 20, 2009 9:25 AM MST up reply actions

+1

i was good with the ring of fame thing, too. i’m not one for retiring numbers and over-honoring everyone who’s done something above average (no, nba, do NOT retire michael jordan’s number league-wide and colorado avalanche, take down that ray borque jersey), but barrel man is hands down one of the greatest, most famous singular fans in america.he’s really that big of a deal—not just another garden variety and salaried mascot.

that said, i’m warming to the south stands statue idea… hilarious AND respectful. …as long as you can’t see up the barrel…

by oxmouth on Nov 20, 2009 10:05 AM MST up reply actions

Definitely not just another salaried mascot or fanatic fan

Guy has his own wiki entry and bobblehead!

"Take what you can. Give nothing back!"

by Colorado_Kitten on Nov 20, 2009 11:41 AM MST up reply actions

Nice idea, actually

by idahobronc on Nov 20, 2009 11:49 PM MST up reply actions

Agree

They need to do something for him before he passes. He is a symbol of what has driven the Broncos to the levels of success they have enjoyed over the past 35 years or so …. their fans. Bowlen has missed the boat in honoring the fans several times over the past many years (just look at ticket prices at the new Mile High, and the lame official name), it is time he did something right.

And with the 32nd pick in the 2009 NHL draft, the Red Wings select: Someone other than Ryan O'Reilly. LOL@Detoilet.

by Bob in Boulder on Nov 20, 2009 10:40 AM MST reply actions

+1

Absolutely! I became a fan during the 1977 season and have a lot of memories through the years…….players come and go, we’ve had some up and down years, but one constant through it all has been seeing the Barrel Man on Sunday. I will definitely miss that devotion and enthusiasm.

by wyodoc on Nov 20, 2009 7:00 PM MST up reply actions

Make sure the statue is availble and well placed for pictures with the fans.

He is and always has been and will be one of us…. I don’t care if it is 9 Feet tall. I want to put my arm around him and honor him as a legend of my fandom for the broncos.

I would also love it if he would bestow his barrel and his tradition to a new fan to carry on his tradition. A sanctioned passing down of the barrel to the next barrel man. Send him your resumes.

i want my sons to have a barrel man in their lives too.

My image is the Circa 1960-’61 Broncos home uniform sock. Some what folk lore to me ... but referred to as the clown sock by my Dad.

by YellowStoneBronco on Nov 20, 2009 12:23 PM MST reply actions

+1

Nice sentiment, YSB. And great idea. Losing the barrel would be a tough loss for us all.

Conversation nonstarters: hoping McDaniels fails, comparing Bears to Broncos, Cutler to Orton, apples to oranges, and casual drinkers to Raiders fans.

by broncosmontana on Nov 21, 2009 3:18 AM MST up reply actions

So sorry to hear that!!!

I almost went as him for Halloween this year — under the circumstances, I’m glad I didn’t. So sad to hear such a venerable man is in such dire straits. My prayers go out to him and his family, and yes — I’d LOVE to see him get a ring nod. Or at least a section of the stadium named in his honor!!

Conversation nonstarters: hoping McDaniels fails, comparing Bears to Broncos, Cutler to Orton, apples to oranges, and casual drinkers to Raiders fans.

by broncosmontana on Nov 21, 2009 3:16 AM MST reply actions