Don't Deface "The Terrible Towel!"
Pittsburgh Steelers' Fans Defend the Story Behind Game-day Gimmick
As the Pittsburgh Steelers march off to their seventh trip to the Super Bowl, fans step back to reevaluate the meaning of this symbol of pride lasting over 33 years.
Treat the Towel with Respect
Some Pittsburgh natives may compare their Terrible Towel to having the sacramental nature of the American flag. And one could only imagine what had happened when Arizona Mayor Phil Gordon and Arizona Cardinal Mascot stomped on it during a team rally this week. Pittsburgh talk shows had their field-day with that one; but Pittsburgh fans tried to explain that the Terrible Towel is more than just your typical foam finger.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ broadcast legend Myron Cope, who passed away sadly in 2008, created the towel in 1975 two weeks before the Steelers’ first playoff game of the year. He was prompted by WTAE’s Vice President and General Manager to come up with a “gimmick,” to go along with his talk show. After hesitating and stating that he was not a “gimmick guy,” Cope gave in after being reminded that his contract would soon be up.
The Functional Fan Accessory
Options like costume masks were debated upon, but Cope suggested something “lightweight and portable.” Towels seemed like the perfect option. “The Terrible Towel,” would be printed on the front and Cope would market the idea by saying, “The Terrible Towel is poised to strike!” on his radio show and on the evening news.
Of course, the towel would have been a flop if the Steelers had lost their next game against the Baltimore Colts on December 27, 1975; and many of the players had their doubts about the towel stating that they have never been a gimmick team. Although never a gimmick team, the Steelers could not deny that they were a tad superstitious. They went on to win their next two games before going on to win their second Super Bowl victory.
Good Luck Charm
Since then, Terrible Towel proceeds have been going towards a Pennsylvania school for those that suffer from mental retardation. The Steelers had also gone on to win five Super Bowls and are tied for the most in history. If they win superbowl 43 it will be record-breaking.
Who’s to deny that the Terrible Towel had at least a little bit to do with that? After all, it is a symbol of not only Steelers’ pride and tradition; but also the city of Pittsburgh. Fans have been following the team around for 33 years with a sea of black and gold. To deface a Terrible Towel is like stomping on a Pittsburghers’ heart. Don’t be so low n’at.
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