History of The Terrible Towel®
In 1975, The Terrible Towel® was created by the late Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope to inspire fan involvement in the December 27th playoff game against the then-Baltimore Colts. More than thirty-five years later, The Terrible Towel® remains a Steelers fan essential.
According to Myron in his book Double Yoi "I said, what we need is something that everybody already has, so it doesn't cost a dime. So I says, 'We'll urge people to bring out to the game gold or black towels,' then I'll tell people if you don't have a yellow, black or gold towel, buy one. And if you don't want to buy one, dye one. We'll call this The Terrible Towel."
The Terrible Towel has gained so much popularity since its invention that it is the best-known fan symbol of any major pro sports team. There is even one in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
In 1996, Myron Cope gifted The Terrible Towel® trademark to a Pittsburgh charity. Since then, the royalties from the sale of any “Terrible Stuff” (including towels, gloves, earrings, hats, tote bags, candy bars and more) have gone to help those less fortunate. Myron Cope was a true friend to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and his gift of The Terrible Towel® has created a living legacy to his incredible life.
When the Steelers play, fans around the world enthusiastically wave The Terrible Towel®. And they buy more “Terrible Stuff.” More than $3.0 million from The Terrible Towel® and related items has been raised for charity.
In 1975, The Terrible Towel® was created by the late Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope to inspire fan involvement in the December 27th playoff game against the then-Baltimore Colts. More than thirty-five years later, The Terrible Towel® remains a Steelers fan essential.
According to Myron in his book Double Yoi "I said, what we need is something that everybody already has, so it doesn't cost a dime. So I says, 'We'll urge people to bring out to the game gold or black towels,' then I'll tell people if you don't have a yellow, black or gold towel, buy one. And if you don't want to buy one, dye one. We'll call this The Terrible Towel."
The Terrible Towel has gained so much popularity since its invention that it is the best-known fan symbol of any major pro sports team. There is even one in the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
In 1996, Myron Cope gifted The Terrible Towel® trademark to a Pittsburgh charity. Since then, the royalties from the sale of any “Terrible Stuff” (including towels, gloves, earrings, hats, tote bags, candy bars and more) have gone to help those less fortunate. Myron Cope was a true friend to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and his gift of The Terrible Towel® has created a living legacy to his incredible life.
When the Steelers play, fans around the world enthusiastically wave The Terrible Towel®. And they buy more “Terrible Stuff.” More than $3.0 million from The Terrible Towel® and related items has been raised for charity.