Bittersweet Victory
The Broncos manhandled the Chiefs on Sunday, yet despite winning in December in Kansas City for only the second time ever, the win seemed empty and was without joy. This was because earlier in the week, the Broncos lost their biggest fan, Tim McKernan, or as he is better known, the Barrel Man. McKernan had been diagnosed with a terminal lung disorder due to smoking two packs a day for the majority of his adult life. His original barrel resides in the pro football hall of fame, a testament to his dedication to the team.
My family has owned season tickets since 1965, and as such I have attended many games. I was in diapers when Tim McKernan first began to don nothing more than a barrel to games. The first game I attended I have very vivid memories of. I honestly don’t recall who the Broncos played that day, the details obviously escape many a five year old boy. What I do recall is more atmospheric; the walk in to the stadium to our bleacher seats in the south stands, the giant bucking horse on the scoreboard above us, the smell of hot dogs and beer everywhere, the sheer loudness of the raucous crowd and the man who led them, the Barrel Man. Back at old Mile High, you never saw the wave as it is now. The Barrel Man would use his megaphone to direct and on cue each section would stand as one and shout “defense!” all as one, throughout the entire stadium. For such a young child it was equally fascinating and terrifying.
Every game I attended throughout my youth included several visits from the Barrel Man. He was always friendly as long as you were making noise for the Broncos. And you knew he lived and died with what happened on the field. Had he sleeves his emotions would have been on them; cut him and he would bleed orange and blue. He was the epitome of fan dedication. As the years went on, age began to catch up with the Barrel Man. His visits to our section were not so frequent, even fewer after the move to Invesco. He missed a few games due to health issues and ultimately “retired” in 2007. He has been and will be missed dearly. Rest in peace Tim.
| Click here for Denver Broncos gear and memorabilia |
