The Kremmling man who was found safe in Pueblo on Tuesday after disappearing during last Thursday’s Broncos game, told authorities he walked about 118 miles south and slept outdoors during his journey, hoping to avoid recognition.

Paul Kitterman, 53, became the center of national interest as authorities and those close to him searched far and wide for him. The man’s family is now asking for privacy.

“Right now, they report that Paul is exhausted and in a fragile state, both physically and mentally,” the family said in a news release issued by the Kremmling Police Department. “At this time, even family and friends do not have the whole story. They are respecting Paul’s wishes for personal space and time to process the events of the past five days.”

Police in Pueblo, who found the missing man after acting on a tip, said Kitterman told them he had “his fill of football and decided to go for a walk” and that he wanted to walk “to somewhere warmer.”

Kitterman told police he walked south.

“Kitterman mentioned sleeping in treed areas and in bushes during his journey to Pueblo and even mentioned disposing of his Broncos hat as he did not want to be recognized,” police said.

Kitterman traveled to the Broncos game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field last week with his son and friends. During halftime, Kitterman disappeared and was without a credit card and cellphone and was carrying little cash, family says.

Authorities say Kitterman, who said he hadn’t been following media reports and wasn’t privy to the fact people were searching for him, was found safe and in good condition.

Officials arranged a room for Kitterman because he said he was “tired.”

Police contacted Kitterman’s family, who responded to Pueblo to pick him up. Officials say he was found in a Kmart parking lot.

Family posted fliers around Denver seeking information about the missing man, calling his behavior unusual and asking for the public’s help in locating him. They also called hospitals, jails and detox centers.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.