Terrible Towel

Lore & Background

Proceeds from sales of the Towel have helped raise more than $6 million for Allegheny Valley School, which cares for people with mental disabilities and physical disabilities. The Terrible Towel is credited with being the first 'rally towel' and its success has given rise to similar products promoting other teams. Numerous versions have been produced; almost all are black and gold in color with the words 'Myron Cope's Official The Terrible Towel' printed on the front. In October 2009, a pink Terrible Towel was introduced to promote breast cancer awareness.

Reader's Guide

The Towel made its debut on December 27, 1975, in a playoff game against the Baltimore Colts. It was invented by Myron Cope after brainstorming with WTAE executives. The original towels were gold or yellow with black writing, and black towels were also allowed. The current version, introduced in 1998, adds the words 'Myron Cope's Official' on the top and 'A Pittsburgh Original' at the bottom. Special editions include a Super Bowl XL Champions towel and a 75th anniversary towel. A giant Terrible Towel measuring 54' x 90' was introduced at the 2014 home opener at Heinz Field.

Did You Know?

• The Terrible Towel was inspired by a suggestion from WTAE executive Bob Garrett to use towels as a lightweight, portable gimmick.
• During its debut game, linebacker Andy Russell returned a fumble 93 yards for a touchdown.
• Fans have taken the Terrible Towel to the Great Wall of China, the South Pole, Vatican City, and the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Astronaut Mike Fincke waved the Terrible Towel from the International Space Station prior to the 2008 AFC Championship Game.