Even though we have already featured a post with tidbits on the Terrible Towel now feels like a good time to add a more robust take on the Pittsburgh phenomenon. In fact, one might even consider this a dedication to the late Myron Cope.
For those who are uninformed, Cope was a famous color commentator for Steelers radio broadcasts for 35 years. Cope is as equally recognizable amongst Pittsburgh natives as Harry Caray is amongst Chicagoans, though not nearly as nationally renowned.
It was Cope who popularized the nickname of Jerome Bettis as "The Bus" and Kordell Stewart as "Slash." It was Cope who invented the Terrible Towel as a motivational ploy to excite the fans for a 1975 playoff game versus the Baltimore Colts.
It was cope who coined the catch-phrases "Okel Dokel" and "Yoi."
It is Cope who, although departed from this earth since February 27, 2008, comes to life every time Steelers fans wave their Terrible Towels.
For this electric character whose voice gracefully pierced the airwaves for 35 years, the following adaptation from 'Twas the Night Before Christmas was extracted.
Twas the night before the Super Bowl, when along the gulf shore, Steelers fans were praying for “just one more;”The players were nestled all snug in the sack, With visions of the first NFL Six-Pack;Coach Tomlin was young, but wise for his years, So I drifted off to sleep without any fears;When at the stadium there arose some strange chatter, The Cardinals feared, what was the matter;We heard “Okel Dokel”, we heard “Double Yoi,” We jumped from our beds, our hearts jumped for joy;He stood at the fifty with a grin ear to ear, Steelers fans everywhere started to cheer;Then in an instant to our surprise, This little old man had tears in his eyes;He went to the booth and there took his chair, While Terrible Towels waved in the air;Then over the airwaves came his shrill voice, The Steelers Nation began to rejoice;He said, “I am back, but you know I can’t stay, I just had to see my Steelers play;From my home up above, I have a great view, But I wanted to celebrate here with you;So bring on the Birds, we’ll send them a flyin’, On the way back to Phoenix, they will be cryin’;Ben, Hines, Troy, Jeff and all of the rest, No matter the outcome, to me you’re the best;”The airwaves went silent, the stadium still, Was this just a dream, it seemed so real;In our team we have faith, in our team we have hope, But the game’s not the same without Myron Cope.Written by: A.K. Young 01-23-09
Without a doubt the black and gold faithful are intensely excited about the prospect of becoming the first NFL team with 6 Super Bowl rings. As it is now, the Steelers are tied with the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers at 5.
So grab your Iron City for Sunday's matchup as the Steelers dedicate their performance to the memory of Myron Cope. Here's to an ice cold, black, and gold six-pack.
Here we go Steelers, Here we go!
