The Pittsburgh Steelers introduced the Terrible Towel 50 years ago. Since then, it has become an iconic piece of Steelers Nation.
On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be in a prime position to regain control of the AFC North. Their opponent, the Buffalo Bills, are 3-10 all-time in Pittsburgh. The team will also celebrate 50 years of the Terrible Towel—is it poised to strike on Sunday?
From a Gimmick to a Pittsburgh Icon
The Terrible Towel was created by Steelers radio commentator Myron Cope. The station tasked him with a “gimmick” prior to the divisional playoff game against the Baltimore Colts.
Cope decided and urged Steelers fans to bring their yellow, gold, or black hand towels from home to wave during the game, coining it the “Terrible Towel.” The iconic Pittsburgh towel’s birth had arrived. However, before the game, it didn’t look like it was going to catch on.
Cope recalled not seeing a hint of gold towels as fans flocked to Three Rivers Stadium. It was to the point that he was heckled by listeners and station personnel for his idea.
Just as quickly, when the Steelers hit the field, a sea of gold towels flooded the stands. It was unlike anything ever seen before. Pittsburgh had found its signature “gimmick” in the Terrible Towel.
Cope had created an icon out of a gimmick. Soon, the towels were produced with “The Terrible Towel” printed on them. When asked about the towels’ success on the evening news, Cope delivered a memorable phrase,
“The Terrible Towel is poised to strike!” He said. “Boy, did it strike.”
Through multiple Super Bowls, miracles, and even making Steelers Nation’s presence known in road games, the Terrible Towel is one of a kind.
Multiple times, it has been attempted to be replicated or copied, but it never catches on as it has in the Steel City.
The Curse of the Terrible Towel
Maybe just as recognizable as the Steelers’ faithful is the infamous “curse” the Terrible Towel has brought to opponents. Whether it’s opposing players, fans, or even politicians, the Terrible Towel has a history of curses in response to disrespect.
The Cincinnati Bengals are very familiar with it. Two Bengals players notably vandalized a fan’s towel: T.J. Housmanzadeh and Jeremy Hill. Houshmanzadeh wiped the towel on his cleats after a victory in Pittsburgh in 2005, while Hill tried to tear one during a game in 2016. The towel responded accordingly.
In the 2005 wildcard game, the Bengals hosted a grudge match against the Steelers. The Steelers dismantled the Bengals en route to a 31-17 win in a run that resulted in their fifth Super Bowl victory.
In 2016, the Bengals needed a win to keep their season alive as they hosted the Steelers. Hill scored a touchdown to put Cincinnati up 17-3–then took a fan’s towel and attempted to rip it apart. Pittsburgh responded by outscoring its opponents 21-3 en route to its victory, ending the Bengals’ season.
It’s not just players who have caused the curse of the Terrible Towel to fall upon their teams. Former Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon, prior to the Cardinals-Steelers Super Bowl XLIII matchup, brought a terrible towel to a press conference. He then wiped his armpits and nose with it. The Terrible Towel responded.
Super Bowl XLIII saw one of the most entertaining finishes. Quarterback Kurt Warner connected with Larry Fitzgerald for a go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. The touchdown appeared to cap Fitzgerald’s historic postseason. One problem: they left too much time.
Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes led a legendary drive that resulted in a toe-tap touchdown catch by Holmes—cementing him in Super Bowl lore. The Steelers captured their sixth Super Bowl title—the most in NFL history. The Cardinals haven’t returned since.
A Towel for Good
Despite its force of intimidation and curse to its opponents, the Pittsburgh icon is also a force for good. If you look at the towel, you will see a “MAVS” tag on every officially licensed Terrible Towel.
Since 1996, proceeds from the sale of the Myron Cope Official Terrible Towel have raised $9.6M for the Merakey Allegheny Valley School. The school serves the community to aid and educate those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Cope signed the trademark rights of the Terrible Towel to the school that opened in 1960. Proceeds from the towel merchandise that goes beyond the game day towel have made an impact in the Pittsburgh community.
This Sunday, the Steelers will need a victory to stay ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. Is the Terrible Towel poised to strike once again?
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: The Terrible Towel: 50 Years of a Pittsburgh Icon
