Broncos Salute Retiring Barrel Man

The Broncos honored one of their most-loyal fans yesterday before they played the Vikings.  It was the last appearance for the “Barrel Man.”  Three decades ago on a dare from his brother, Tim McKernan came to a game against the Bears wearing only cowboy boots, suspenders, and a giant Orange Crush can.  It became a tradition.  Now, health problems are forcing McKernan to quit wearing the get-up, but he will keep his season tickets.  McKernan tried to dump the costume in 1992, but it wasn’t long before he and the barrel were back on the sidelines.  One of his orange barrels is even at the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, signed by Denver’s 1977 AFC championship team.