The Pittsburgh Steelers 12th Man
by jhwygirl
Myron Cope, longtime radio announcer and the Pittsburgh Steelers biggest fan passed away today. He was 79.
Myron was the father of The Terrible Towel – a tradition he started during the 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers quest for their first Superbowl ring.
Today, sports stadiums across the world now twirl their own towels.
Cope trademarked The Terrible Towel and 100% of its proceeds have gone on to benefit the Allegheny Valley School, an institution for profoundly mentally and physically disabled individuals.
While primarily known for his thickly accented raspy voice (think “ain’t” and “Warshington” and “younz”), Cope was a superb sports writer. He was on the original staff for Sports Illustrated, and wrote also for the Saturday Evening Post. His profile of Howard Cosell, written for Sports Illustrated, is recognized as one of the best pieces of sports articles ever.
Myron was a hero to many, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. Before his retirement from the Steelers organization, Chuck Noll, longtime coach who led the Steelers to 4 Superbowl wins in 6 seasons told Myron that the Steelers could not have done it without him – that the “Terrible Towel took them over the line many, many times.”
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and his is the only football announcer inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
Steelers fans everywhere mourn his loss. He will, undoubtedly, be cheering them from the heavens.
That was Myron Cope, on sports.
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Pingback on Jan 31st, 2009 at 5:39 am
[...] Steeler fan can get excited about a Superbowl without thinking of their 12th man, famed sportscaster Myron Cope. You just know he’s up above, twirling that towel for the [...]
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February 27, 2008 at 8:38 pm
If nothing else, there’s one thing we can agree on.
If I could, I’d hoist an Iron City to Myron’s memory.
February 27, 2008 at 8:45 pm
:-)
For years I’ve tried to get family to ship me some. Sure wish I had one tonight. Now that I know you are a fan, I’ll keep you in mind if that 6-pack ever shows up.
February 27, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Thanks a bunch.
What are you going to drink?
:|
February 28, 2008 at 6:54 am
Looks like I’m going to have to ask for 2 now – but I’ll make mine the IC Light. High in protein, low in fat.
Love that Allegheny water!
February 28, 2008 at 7:23 am
Myron will live on forever in the hearts of Steeler Fans. Though memories will fade, the presence and influence will continue to wave above the heads of our opponents. I tell all to watch out, because the terrible towel now has a new power behind it. If it were possible to see Myron now, he’d be proudly surrounded by faithful listeners and friends and without a doubt be standing side-by-side with Art himself. RIP Myron, with that golden voice of yours that only a Steeler Fan could love.