terrible Towel Myron Cope NOS Vintage Original Steelers fans Football NFL Pgh still sealed in plastic sleeve.
The Request: Executives at WTAE radio asked Cope to invent a fan promotion before the 1975 playoffs to prove his public influence and value to advertisers as his contract neared its end.
The Idea: Cope wanted something portable, cheap, and common that every household already owned, leading him to suggest that fans bring gold, yellow, or black dish towels from home. The Launch: During a December 1975 playoff game against the Baltimore Colts, tens of thousands of fans waved their homemade towels, and the Steelers won 28–10, cementing the tradition.
Legacy and Charity
Trademark Donation: In 1996, Myron Cope gave the trademark for the Terrible Towel to the Merakey Allegheny Valley School, which supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Fundraising: Royalties from official "Terrible Stuff" merchandise have raised millions of dollars for the school over the decades.
Global Symbol: Today, the towel is recognized worldwide as the ultimate symbol of Steelers Nation pride