PITTSBURGH, Pa. — One of the most iconic items in sports today, the Terrible Towel was born on Dec. 27, 1975 by Myron Cope while working as sportscaster at a local radio station.
Officials with the Steelers said the account was chronicled in the late Cope’s book, “Double Yoi!”
Cope, an icon himself in local sports history, wrote he was called into the station general manager’s office and was told he had better come up with some sort of gimmick. He only had a few months left on his contract.
Cope urged fans to bring yellow dish towels to the game and wave them.
Nearing kickoff for the next game on a rainy, cold day, Cope wrote, tens of thousands of towels were waving in the air around the stadium and the legend of the towel was born.
2011 AFC Championship: New York Jets v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: A detail of a terrible towel is seen prior to the 2011 AFC Championship game between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Myron Cope Pittsburgh sportscaster Myron Cope shows a Terrible Towel, a Cope brainchild that has become a marketing success, in Pittsburgh, Pa., Dec. 27, 1979. The towel, which is supposed to give almost supernatural powers to the Steelers, will be in the hands of thousands of Steeler faithful when they face the Miami Dolphins. (AP Photo) (Greenawalt/AP)
Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers - October 31, 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers retired broadcaster Myron Cope waves his Terrible Towel as he is honored for 35 years of service to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 31, 2005. (Photo by Sean Brady/NFLPhotoLibrary) (Sean Brady/WireImage/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers v Tennessee Titans NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 25: Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers wave terrible towels prior to a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) (Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
AFC Championship Game: Pittsburgh Steelers v Denver Broncos DENVER - JANUARY 22: A fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with a "terrible towel" after the Steelers defeated the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on January 22, 2006 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Steelers defeated the Broncos 34-17 to advance to the Super Bowl. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
AFC Divisional Playoffs: Pittsburgh Steelers v Indianapolis Colts INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 15: Pittsburgh Steelers' fans Nick Costinzo, Robert Lang, Sean Bienemanon and Vince Bonacci hold up a 'terrible towel' in support of their team while they tailgate outside of the RCA Dome prior to the Steelers AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts January 15, 2006 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP 96 14 JAN 1996: A YOUNG PITTSBURGH STEELERS FAN HOLDS UP HIS "TERRIBLE TOWEL" AS HE WATCHES THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS DEFEAT THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 20-16 TO WIN THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AT THREE RIVERS STADIUM, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA. Mandatory Credit: Ric (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XLIII TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: A fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers waves a terrible towel against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XLV ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Fans cheer during Super Bowl XLV between the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Wild Card Game: Jacksonville Jaguars v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 05: Pittsburgh Steeler fans wave the "Terrible Towel" before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card game on January 5, 2008 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
San Diego Chargers v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 11: Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers support their team against the San Diego Chargers during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
AFC Championship Game: Pittsburgh Steelers v Denver Broncos DENVER - JANUARY 22: A fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with a "terrible towel" after the Steelers defeated the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game on January 22, 2006 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Steelers defeated the Broncos 34-17 to advance to the Super Bowl. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 20: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan dressed as Santa Claus waves a terrible towel in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field on December 20, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XLIII TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers wave their terrible towels against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins vs Pittsburgh Steelers - September 7, 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers fan hoists the terrible towel during play against the Miami Dolphins during the NFL's 2006 opening game on September 7, 2006 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 28 - 17. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XL DETROIT - FEBRUARY 05: Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers wave terrible towels in the stands during Super Bowl XL against the Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field on February 5, 2006 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Elsa/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers v New Orleans Saints NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 31: A fan dressed as the Terrible Towel is seen before the Pittsburgh Steelers versus New Orleans Saints game at Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 20-10 over the Steelers. (Photo by Karl Walter/Getty Images) (Karl Walter/Getty Images)
Minnesota Vikings v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 25: Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers wave their yellow towels during the NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings at Heinz Field on October 25, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Vikings 27-17. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers v Jacksonville Jaguars JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 18: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan holds a "Terrible Towel", even though he is surrounded by Jacksonville Jaguars fans, during the game at Alltel Stadium on September 18, 2006 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars won 9-0. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (Doug Benc/Getty Images)
NFL Preseason - Pittsburgh Steelers vs Arizona Cardinals - August 12, 2006 Pittsburgh Steelers fans carry terrible towels to the field for play against the Arizona Cardinals August 12, 2006. The Cardinals opened a new stadium in Glendale, Arizona and won 21 - 13. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan looks on in the fourth quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
AFC Championship Game: Pittsburgh Steelers v Denver Broncos DENVER - JANUARY 22: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers holds up a terrible towel in celebration in the final minute of the Steelers' 34-17 win over the Denver Broncos during the AFC Championship Game January 22, 2006 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Seattle Seahawks v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan waves a terrible towel during a stoppage in play in the second half during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on September 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
AFC Divisional Playoffs: Pittsburgh Steelers v Indianapolis Colts INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 15: A fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers waves a terrible towel in the stands against the Inidanapolis Colts during the AFC Divisional Playoffs January 15, 2006 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Steelers won 21-18. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: A Pittsburgh Steelers fans waves a Terrible Towel during a timeout in the fourth quarter during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 18, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 20: Rapper and Pittsburgh native Mac Miller waves the Terrible Towel prior to the start of the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Heinz Field on September 20, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XLIII TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers wave terrible towels against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
2011 AFC Championship: New York Jets v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: A fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers holds up a "terrible towel" in front of a fan of the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (Al Bello/Getty Images)
Getty Images Football Archive TEMPE, AZ - JANUARY 28: Pittsburgh Pirates fans wave "the terrible towel" during Super Bowl XXX against the Dallas Cowboys at Sun Devil Stadium at Tempe, Arizona, on January 28, 1996. The Cowboys won 27-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) (George Rose/Getty Images)
2011 AFC Championship: New York Jets v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave terrible towels during their 2011 AFC Championship game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (Al Bello/Getty Images)
San Diego Chargers v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 11: Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers wave terrible towel in support of their team against the San Diego Chargers during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Super Bowl XLIII TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: A fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers displays a giant terrible towel against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers v San Francisco 49ers SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan in stands waves her terrible towel against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan waves a Terrible Towel during a timeout in the second half during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 18, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 23: A fan dressed up as Santa Claus waves his Terrible Towel during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on December 23, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers v Denver Broncos DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 09: Pittsburgh Steelers fans taunt a Denver Broncos fan at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on September 9, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 25: A young Pittsburgh Steelers fan dressed as Santa Claus waves a terrible towel in the first quarter during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
San Francisco 49ers v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 23: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan waves the "Terrible Towel" during the game against the San Francisco 49ers on September 23, 2007 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers won 36-17. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
2011 AFC Championship: New York Jets v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave terrible towels during their 2011 AFC Championship game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (Al Bello/Getty Images)
Ryder Cup Trophy Tour At Pittsburgh Steelers Game PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk leads fans in the Terrible Towel Twirl prior to the start of the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs while on a stop of the Ryder Cup Trophy Tour at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) (Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan cheers on the team in the fourth quarter during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
New York Jets v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 09: A Pittsburgh Steelers fan waves a terrible towel during the game against the New York Jets on October 9, 2016 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Rams v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: A Pittsburgh Steelers fans waves a Terrible Towel in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Arizona Cardinals v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 18: Megan Klingenberg of the United States National Soccer team waves a Terrible Towel before the start of the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals at Heinz Field on October 18, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers v Tennessee Titans NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 25: A fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers holds up a terrible towel during the second half of a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) (Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Buffalo Sabres v Pittsburgh Penguins PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 04: Pittsburgh Penguin fans support the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game with terrible towels against the Buffalo Sabres at the Consol Energy Center on February 4, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs v Pittsburgh Steelers PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 17: A young fan watches the action in the fourth quarter during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Heinz Field on August 17, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) (Justin Berl/Getty Images)
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP 96 14 JAN 1996: A PITTSBURGH STEELERS FAN WAVES HIS "TERRIBLE TOWEL" AS HE WATCHES THE STEELERS DEFEAT THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 20-16 TO WIN THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AT THREE RIVERS STADIUM, PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA. Mandatory Credit: Doug Pensinger/ALLSPO (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Huge Terrible Towel.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have released two new versions of Myron Cope's legendary Terrible Towel, including this Spanish edition.
A Halloween version of the Terrible Towel is also available to buy on the Steelers website. The Steelers play New England at home on Oct. 30.
Those Terrible Towels are everywhere ...
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave terrible towels during their 2011 AFC Championship game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Steelers embraced the towels and printed scores of gold towels with black lettering proclaiming them “Myron Cope’s Official Terrible Towel” in time for Super Bowl X in January 1976.
In 1996, Cope gave the rights to the Terrible Towel to the Allegheny Valley School in the Pittsburgh suburb of Coraopolis. Proceeds from sales help to fund the school, which serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Pittsburgh Steelers announcer Myron Cope
Myron Cope Pittsburgh sportscaster Myron Cope shows a Terrible Towel, a Cope brainchild that has become a marketing success, in Pittsburgh, Pa., Dec. 27, 1979. The towel, which is supposed to give almost supernatural powers to the Steelers, will be in the hands of thousands of Steeler faithful when they face the Miami Dolphins. (AP Photo) (Greenawalt/AP)
Myron Cope ** FILE ** Pittsburgh Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope works the Steelers game against the New York Jets at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, in this Dec. 12, 2004 file photo. Myron Cope, the screechy-voiced announcer whose colorful catch phrases and twirling Terrible Towel became symbols of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an unrivaled 35 seasons in the broadcast booth, died Wednesday Feb. 27, 2008 in Mount Lebanon, Pa.. He was 79. (AP Photo/Keith B. Srakocic) (KEITH B. SRAKOCIC/AP)
Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers - October 31, 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers retired broadcaster Myron Cope waves his Terrible Towel as he is honored for 35 years of service to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 31, 2005. (Photo by Sean Brady/NFLPhotoLibrary) (Sean Brady/WireImage/Getty Images)
Myron Cope ** FILE ** Retired Pittsurgh Steelers radio announcer Myron Cope smiles during a ceremony in his honor before the Monday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Pittsburgh, in this Oct. 31, 2005 file photo. Myron Cope, the screechy-voiced announcer whose colorful catch phrases and twirling Terrible Towel became symbols of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an unrivaled 35 seasons in the broadcast booth, died Wednesday Feb. 27, 2008 in Mount Lebanon, Pa.. He was 79.(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, FILE) (GENE J. PUSKAR/AP)
Myron Cope Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers radio broadcaster Myron Cope, right, receives a game ball from Steelers President Art Rooney III, at a news conference where Cope announced his reirement from the booth in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, June 21, 2005. Cope, known for his screeching, nasal delivery of exclamations such as "Yoi!" and "Double Yoi!" has broadcast games on the Steelers Radio Network since 1970. He also created the Terrible Towel, a black-and-gold good-luck charm that fans wave at games. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) (KEITH SRAKOCIC/AP)
Myron Cope Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers radio broadcaster Myron Cope smiles at a news conference where Cope announced his reirement from the booth in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, June 21, 2005. Cope, known for his screeching, nasal delivery of exclamations such as "Yoi!" and "Double Yoi!" has broadcast games on the Steelers Radio Network since 1970. He also created the Terrible Towel, a black-and-gold good-luck charm that fans wave at games. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) (KEITH SRAKOCIC/AP)
Today, the Terrible Towel can be found in the standard gold with black lettering, in a camouflage edition, in special editions for various holidays, in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, as a full-length beach towel and printed in various languages. It’s been taken to the peak of Mount Everest and blasted into space to the International Space Station.
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