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Terrible Towel Has Wonderful Story

Steelers announcer's legacy has changed the lives of many

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 30, 2009 11:26 AM CST

(Newser) – When beloved Steelers radio announcer Myron Cope told fans to bring gold and black towels to a 1975 playoff game, he had no idea he was sealing his fame. Cope's legacy, the Terrible Towel, has become a Pittsburgh legend and brings in huge profits—which he turned over to a school for the disabled, explains the New York Times.

Cope's son, who has severe retardation and autism, took huge strides at the Allegheny Valley School, and in 1996 the broadcaster signed over the Towel's trademark to the school. That has meant $2.5 million over the past decade for the Medicaid-funded nonprofit, and the Steelers' foray into the Super Bowl will surely leave its mark on towel sales.

[Images (5)]

[Quotes (1)]

Then-Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama waves a "Terrible Towel" as he acknowledges supporters outside Pamela's Diner in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, April 22, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Pittsburgh Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope invented the Terrible Towel in 1975, and turned its trademark over to the Allegheny Valley School in 1996. He died last year. (AP Photo/Keith B. Srakocic)

Pittsburgh Steelers fans, from left, Heather Bosas, Kathy Embry-Jones, and Clarissa Amond wave their "Terrible Towels" during a pep rally in downtown Pittsburgh, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave a team flag and a Terrible Towel. All of the proceeds from the $7 towels go to a Pennsylvania school for the disabled. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Retired Pittsurgh Steelers radio announcer Myron Cope smiles during a ceremony in his honor in Pittsburgh, in this Oct. 31, 2005 file photo. He died nearly a year ago. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, FILE)

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He came into my office, and he had a pile of papers. He threw them down on my desk and said, ‘Regis, I’m giving you the Terrible Towel.' I said, ‘Myron, I have about 10 of them.' - Regis Champ, Allegheny Valley School director, misunderstanding Cope's offer

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Terrible Towel Has Wonderful Story