DENVER — Broncos fans braved the cold on Sunday to watch the team face off against the Kansas City Chiefs. A group of fans used the tailgate ahead of the game as a memorial for Broncos superfan Kerry Green, one of the two "Mile High Monsters," who died earlier this month.
The father-son duo of Kerry and Wesley Green began wearing orange costumes to the team’s home games about 16 years ago. The family is on its third generation of season ticket holders.
This Sunday, the group of fans held a memorial for Kerry ahead of the game, honoring the lifelong fan the only way they know how: cheering for the Broncos.
“This is literally the first game I’ve ever been to in my life without my dad,” Wesley Green said as he fought back tears. “So today is all about remembering my dad Kerry Green who was the idea master of the whole thing and created these suits so we could come out and have the fun that we’ve had for the last 15 years.”
Kerry died suddenly just ahead of the Jets game on Oct. 8. He was 66 years old.
Before the game Sunday, dozens of fans visited the Green tailgate, gave their condolences and shared memories they had with Kerry.
“It was you and your dad, there was Barrel Man and Leprechaun,” one fan said to Wesley. “Growing up seeing you guys on TV."
Wesley said one of his favorite memories with his father was being able to ride in the parade following Super Bowl 50. Many of those memories are what he holds onto, as he reflects on what he has learned since his father’s passing.
“Don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the moment. If you can bring happiness to other people, that’s the ultimate thing in life,” Wesley said. “I think it makes you feel good, you’re making everybody else feel better and you can really enjoy life and not taking anything too seriously.”
Kerry's wife Justine was also in attendance Sunday. She wore her husband's wedding band on her right hand. It has a Broncos logo in the center.
“This is the one he wore every day,” she said. “We’re going to celebrate a tailgate with him because this is what he would have wanted.”
The Broncos also honored Kerry Sunday, naming him the team's 2023 Fan of the Year. His family was also surprised with two tickets to this year’s Super Bowl to represent the Broncos.
Wesley said they will continue the 16-year tradition and attend every home game as the Mile High Monsters. Some of his children have their own Mile High Monster costumes as well.
As for the weather on Sunday, Wesley said his father would have wanted it this way.
“This is my dad’s doing. For anyone out there that if you like it or don’t like it, this is all my dad," he said. “We hate the hot games early in the season. It’s a lot in this [costume], obviously. We hope for the snow games as early as possible. This is perfect.”
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