Myron Cope, father of Terrible Towel, dies
I wouldn't expect anyone in Ravens land to normally be very sympathetic regarding much having to do with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But I know that Baltimore fans along with NFL followers everywhere will be saddened by the news today of the passing of former Steelers announcer Myron Cope. Cope was truly an NFL treasure.
Extremely partisan to be sure, he was also the father of a football icon, the Terrible Towel. If you used to bristle at the way Cope occasionally called the Ravens the Bal-ti-more Black Birdies, take consolation in that he gave a pretty good razzing to the "Cleve Brownies" and the Cincinnati "Bungles" too. And I can't think of anyone else who could have gotten away with calling the aloof Chuck Noll -- "Emperor Chaz."
Cope announced Steelers games for 35 years before retiring after the 2004 season. Rather than try to describe Cope's unique voice, we'll just offer his recollection of his own offspring, the Terrible Towel.
Comments
A sad day for the sports world. Cope was to the Steeler fans, what Rex was to the Oriole fans, an insitution!
Posted by: Captain Jack | February 27, 2008 2:46 PM
i sit here in tears reading this. i cant believe this, myron and his towel have been a part of my life since i have been born. my family quotes him all the time. rest in peace
Posted by: Tricia | February 27, 2008 3:18 PM
The father of the towel is gone but will never be forgotten and as a Steeler fan there are only two regrets
Dan Marino and Ray Lewis did not wear the Black and Gold
Mikey in Colorado
Posted by: Mike Barker | February 27, 2008 6:17 PM
We have our own version of Myron Cope here in Baltimore -- Vince Bagli.
Posted by: John | February 29, 2008 12:05 PM