Myron Cope Retires Tuesday, June 21, 2005, PITTSBURGH - After having spent 35 years as a color analyst in the Steelers radio booth, Myron Cope, 76, is retiring. Yesterday, at a meeting Cope had requested with management of Steelers flagship stations WDVE-FM and 970-AM Pittsburgh, along with Steelers management, Cope informed both parties of his decision to call it a career. "For 35 years Myron has carved out a special place in the hearts and minds of Pittsburghers and Steelers fans everywhere," said Gene Romano, senior vice president of programming, Clear Channel. "He is truly a broadcast legend." "I want to express my appreciation for Myron's tremendous contribution to Steelers' football and Steelers' broadcasts for so many years," said Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney. "His voice will always be associated with some of our most memorable games. He made listening to Steelers games fun for everyone." "Even though Myron Cope is leaving the broadcast booth, Myron's presence at Steelers games will continue to be felt in the form of one of football's greatest game day traditions - The Terrible Towel," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "It is one of many contributions Myron has made during what we believe was one of the all-time great broadcasting careers." Cope has been troubled by health issues, none of them life-threatening, through the past three seasons, particularly last season. Nonetheless, until very recently, he planned to continue broadcasting this year, based on his expectation that the treatment he is currently receiving for hoarseness and leg problems will be successful. However, retired Steelers executive Joe Gordon - a longtime close friend of Cope - recently reminded him, "You've told me time and again that if I ever detected you slipping in your broadcasts, I should tell you so and you would retire. Well, last year you started slipping. At times, your focus on the field wasn't right. Your health was affecting your work." Cope replied, "Then that's that. I'm through." To occupy his time, Cope has in mind writing a book, which would be his sixth.