Folk Figure. A former United Airlines mechanic who loved the Denver Broncos football team, he began attending their home games in 1967. On a bet with his brother, he began wearing a barrel in 1977 thinking it would cause his appearance on television. It did and he won the bet. His barrel, painted to look like an Orange Crush soda can reflecting the Broncos nickname at the time, became his signature costume, making him one of the Broncos' most recognized fans and a very popular mascot. For 30 years, in all types of weather, he wore his barrel (and little else) and cheered on the Broncos, first at Mile High Stadium and then later at INVESCO Field at Mile High. By 2003 when an an aneurysm incapacitated him, he had missed only four games. Although he eventually recovered and returned to make more appearances, he officially retired his barrel in 2007 during a Broncos halftime show where he was presented with a team football, other gifts and thunderous fan appreciation. His first Broncos barrel is on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cause of death was lung failure due to pulmonary fibrosis.
Folk Figure. A former United Airlines mechanic who loved the Denver Broncos football team, he began attending their home games in 1967. On a bet with his brother, he began wearing a barrel in 1977 thinking it would cause his appearance on television. It did and he won the bet. His barrel, painted to look like an Orange Crush soda can reflecting the Broncos nickname at the time, became his signature costume, making him one of the Broncos' most recognized fans and a very popular mascot. For 30 years, in all types of weather, he wore his barrel (and little else) and cheered on the Broncos, first at Mile High Stadium and then later at INVESCO Field at Mile High. By 2003 when an an aneurysm incapacitated him, he had missed only four games. Although he eventually recovered and returned to make more appearances, he officially retired his barrel in 2007 during a Broncos halftime show where he was presented with a team football, other gifts and thunderous fan appreciation. His first Broncos barrel is on display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cause of death was lung failure due to pulmonary fibrosis.
Bio by: Fred Beisser
