abstract
| - McKernan began attending Broncos games in 1967, eventually missing only four of them. He first wore a barrel in 1977 after making a $10 bet with his brother over whether wearing one would get him on television. He won, wearing one painted to resemble an Orange Crush can. The soft drink brand was also the nickname for the defensive unit of the orange-jerseyed Broncos who won the American Football Conference Championship that season. McKernan retired his act after the 2007 season at the age of 67, but announced that he would continue attending games in normal dress. McKernan had serious health issues in 2003, after an abdominal aneurysm ruptured. After that time he was restricted by doctors to wearing his barrel for one half of play, and then only when the temperature was above freezing.These health issues were a major reason behind McKernan's deciding to give up the barrel in 2007. Retired after 40 years as a mechanic for United Airlines, McKernan and his wife were based in Gunnison, Colorado, but spent their offseasons traveling in their recreational vehicle. Due to the space constraints of living in an RV, McKernan sold his Super Bowl XXXII barrel for $30,000. The barrel, autographed by 49 Broncos from their first Super Bowl winning team, was sold to a Black Hawk, Colorado, casino. McKernan gave 10 percent of his profits to Jubilee House, battered women's shelter in Gunnison. McKernan died on December 5, 2009 of respiratory failure caused by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.The last Broncos game before his death was a rout of the Giants on Thanksgiving Day.
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