News of the departure of NFL mascots comes in threes. First Cowboys mascot Crazy Ray died. Then Dolfan Denny joined him in the big stadium in the sky. And now we learn that the Denver Broncos' Barrel Man, Tim McKernan, is ready to retire.McKernan turns 67 before the 2007 season, and he says this season will be his 30th and last of showing up to Broncos home games wearing nothing but a barrel.
Yeah, I can see why after serious health issues, you'd probably want to limit your barrel-wearing to days when the temperature is above freezing. Still, I'm sure many Broncos fans will miss Barrel Man."I'm probably going to go out with 30 seasons under my belt," said McKernan, who will be 67 when the 2007 season opens. "I'll still be attending the games and speaking at schools, but we'll be retiring the barrel."
McKernan had serious health issues in 2003, when an abdominal aneurysm ruptured. "I still don't have any stamina," he said.
Doctors have since restricted him to wearing his barrel for one half of games at Invesco Field, and then only when the temperature is above freezing.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-20-2007 @ 5:19PM
jgbrooksjr said...
Tim is a good man and will I'm sure, be missed. He propbably should have retired in '03 but he luvs this team like I do.
Jim - Connecticut (formerly of Denver & Jackson, Wy.
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3-20-2007 @ 6:53PM
Connie Cridland said...
The barrelman is an icon in the Mile High area. I have many memories of him at the games and will miss his presence. I still catch a glimpse of him as I watch my team from Jersey... Thank you for the smiles Barrelman!!!
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3-20-2007 @ 6:58PM
Marie said...
It's a shame. As a long-time Broncs fan, Tim probably holds as many vivid memories in my mind as Elway. Best to 'ya, miss 'ya, take care...and Go Broncos!
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3-21-2007 @ 1:03PM
Jason Teale said...
I remember when my Dad use to take me to the games when I was a young guy the barrel man was always there sun and snow. He will be missed and how he does what he does will remain a mystery to me.
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3-21-2007 @ 11:42PM
RICE RICH said...
Love to see barrel man without the barrel around him
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3-22-2007 @ 12:22PM
My496avalanche said...
The Barrel Man will be missed greatly, a lot has happened to Denver. I Cant wait to see after all what has happened Denver in the playoffs this year, GO BRONCOS!!
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