Myron Cope Pittsburgh Steeler announcer

Myron Cope (January 23, 1929 February 27, 2008), born Myron Sidney Kopelman,[1] was an American sports journalist, radio personality, and sportscaster who is best known for being "the voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers."[2] Cope was a color commentator for the Steelers' radio broadcasts for 35 years. He was known for his distinctive, nasally voice with an identifiable Pittsburgh accent, idiosyncratic speech pattern, and a level of excitement rarely exhibited in the broadcast booth. Cope's most notable catch phrase was "yoi"[3] (pronounced /ˈjɔɪ/). Cope was the first football announcer inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.[4] Cope's autobiography, Double Yoi!, was published in 2002.[5] Legislation honoring Cope is currently pending before the United States House of Representatives,[2] having already passed in the United States Senate.[6] RETIREMENT+DEATH Cope announced his retirement from broadcasting on June 20, 2005, citing health concerns.[24] Eight days later, it was announced that Cope was the recipient of the Pete Rozelle Award for "long-time exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football."[25] Upon his retirement, the Steelers did not replace Cope, opting instead to downsize to a two-man broadcast team.[14] On October 31, 2005, Cope was honored for his lifetime accomplishments at halftime of the contest between the Steelers and the Ravens.[26] In addition, the Steelers produced a special commemorative edition Terrible Towel with his familiar expressions printed on it. As seen on the towel, production was limited to 35,000 towels, representing 35 years of service to the Steelers. Later that season when the team advanced to Super Bowl XL, many Steeler fans wanted Cope to come out of retirement just to call "The one for the thumb." Cope declined partially for health reasons and partially to enjoy retirement. Cope died of respiratory failure at a Mt. Lebanon nursing home on the morning of February 27, 2008.[14][27] In the days following his death, many ceremonies were held in his honor, including the local sporting events of the Pittsburgh Panthers college basketball team.[28] Two days after his death, hundreds of people gathered in heavy snow in front of City Hall in Pittsburgh to honor Cope; included in the ceremony was one minute of silent Terrible Towel waving.[29] His funeral, which was held on February 29, 2008, was private.