In a sea of burgundy at the Washington Commanders’ FedEx Field, an unmistakable swell of yellow rose up, undulating and twirling. The mighty Pittsburgh Steelers fans had arrived, Terrible Towels in hand, ready to cheer on their team – no matter how far from home.
The Unchanging Tradition of the Terrible Towel
Born from the ingenious mind of broadcaster Myron Cope nearly five decades ago, the Terrible Towel has become an indelible symbol of Steelers fandom. What started as a gimmick to boost ratings in 1975 has evolved into a tradition passed down through generations.
It was a stroke of genius because it just fit in with the overall situation that had existed with the unbelievable enthusiasm of Steelers followers.
Joe Gordon, retired Steelers executive
The towel’s power extends beyond mere symbolism. For fans like Hayden Shock, who was born deaf, the waving Terrible Towels provide a visual representation of the crowd’s energy and passion.
When the fans wave their Terrible Towels, it’s a visual effect of cheering for me. I feel like we are giving the players good energy to play the game!
Hayden Shock, Steelers fan
Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Rivalry
Opposingteams, recognizing the impact of the Terrible Towel, have attempted to counter with their own rally towels. This season alone, the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Washington Commanders all distributed towels to fans attending Steelers games.
But according to those in the stands, these efforts were quickly drowned out by the sheer volume of Terrible Towels twirling in defiance.
All you saw were Terrible Towels. You did not see their burgundy towels at all. It was nothing but Terrible Towels.
Ryan Gray, Steelers fan at the Washington Commanders game
A Nation Divided, United by a Towel
The closure of Pittsburgh steel mills in the 1980s scattered Steelers fans across the country, but their love for the team – and their Terrible Towels – remained a constant connection to home. Today, Steelers Nation spans the globe, with fans proudly waving their towels wherever the team plays.
Anyone can afford a Terrible Towel. You might not be able to afford a jersey, but you can get a towel.
Tracy Bowden, Steelers fan living in Denver
For coaches and players, the sight of Terrible Towels flooding an away stadium provides an undeniable boost. As Coach Mike Tomlin expressed after the victory in Las Vegas, “Continuallyman theyshow up. I just thought it was awesome; the environment for a road venue was special.”
The Futile Fight Against a Force of Fandom
As teams continue to seek ways to dampen the Terrible Towel’s impact, Steelers fans remain unfazed. Theirpassion for the team runs deeper than any gimmick or ploy.
I don’t think there really is [a way to thwart the towels], unless someone wants to outlaw bringing in Terrible Towels. But that would be kind of silly.
John Clark, sport management professor at Robert Morris University
The Terrible Towel has become synonymous with the resilience and unwavering loyalty of Steelers Nation. No matter the odds, no matter the venue, that iconic yellow towel will continue to wave – a testament to the unbreakable bond between a team and its fans.
