Steelers national lost one of its most enduring figures 13 years ago on Feb. 27, 2008, when legendary team broadcaster and Pittsburgh-area journalist Myron Cope died at the age of 79.

Born Myron Sidney Kopelman, the Taylor Allderdice and Pitt graduate was a sportswriter with the Erie Daily Times, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sports Illustrated and Saturday Evening Post before taking to broadcasting.

Cope started as the Steelers’ radio color analyst in 1970, and over his 35-year career with the team, Cope became a huge fan favorite with his comedic personality, colorful catchphrases, nasal voice and Pittsburgh accent. Cope’s most enduring contribution to Steelers fandom came in 1975, when he invented the Terrible Towel, the proceeds from which he later donated to the Allegheny Valley School for children with intellectual and physical disabilities in Coraopolis.

After his retirement, Cope was given the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television award by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the first team color analyst to have that honor bestowed upon him. Cope was also the first pro football broadcaster to be elected to the Radio Hall of Fame.

Steelers fans, leave your favorite memory of Myron Cope in the comments below.

To follow up on Steelers Now’s poll question asking who fans feel is the greatest Steelers quarterback of all-time, Mike Asti appeared on “Sports Central” with Cory Giger to offer his thoughts on the debate. Mike and Cory went back and forth, comparing the careers of Ben Roethlisberger and Terry Bradshaw, two great Steelers quarterbacks who played in two completely different eras.

“Sports Central” airs daily on WRTA 98.5 and 1240 AM.

Since it’s possible Ben Roethlisberger has played his last game as a Steeler, it’s only natural to start reflecting back on his legacy and determine how to put his career it in its proper perspective.

There’s no debate needed about if Roethlisberger will someday be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s a lock for Canton. But when you play for an historic franchise rich with success and legendary figures, being an NFL all-time great doesn’t necessarily guarantee you are also labeled the best at your position in the history of the team. While Roethlisberger has the clear edge in statistics, some older Pittsburgh fans will forever proclaim he’s only the second greatest quarterback in Steelers history.

Terry Bradshaw’s numbers don’t hold up well with elite quarterbacks of later generations, but he did lead the Black and Gold to 4 Super Bowl titles, earning Super Bowl MVP honors twice, which is something Roethlisberger failed to accomplish in either of his two championship seasons.

It’s obviously only a debate between two men, but who’s the greatest quarterback in Steelers history?

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