Bill Cowher Hits Back at Trevor Lawrence’s Terrible Towel Remark

Earlier this week, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was asked at his weekly press conference if he knew what the Steelers’ iconic ‘Terrible Towel’ was, and it turns out he does. However, the specifics of the Lawrence quote caught people’s attention as he called them ‘little yellow towels.’

“No, I know what they are. The little yellow towels they swing around,” Lawrence said.

It’s a complete non-story. But it has made waves, reaching former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, who appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday. Cowher warned Lawrence about the towels and not to disrespect them. Regardless, it will be a hotly-contested matchup in Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Pittsburgh sportscaster Myron Cope shows a Terrible Towel, a Cope brainchild that has become a marketing success, in Pittsburgh, Pa., Dec. 27, 1979. The towel, which is supposed to give almost supernatural powers to the Steelers, will be in the hands of thousands of Steeler faithful when they face the Miami Dolphins. (AP Photo)

“Trevor Lawrence talked about those little gold towels this week. Little? Come on, Trevor, it’s called a Terrible Towel,” Cowher said. “And you’re going to be terrible because this towel is going to make you terrible. That’s why it’s called a Terrible Towel.”

Myron Cope, the creator of the Terrible Towel, became legendary for it, and the gold towels now sway over the heads of Steelers fans at every game. But more than that, Pittsburgh is a place that is home to a tradition. While that part of the quote is highlighted, Lawrence talked about his immense respect for Mike Tomlin and how excited he is to play in Pittsburgh.

“I’m excited. It’s definitely one to check off the list, playing in cool stadiums and historic places,” Lawrence said. “Pittsburgh, their whole organization has like an aura around it and that’s really cool there. They’ve had some great players and some great teams, you always know what kind of team Pittsburgh is going to have every year, super physical, great defense. Their offense is playing really well, you know what you’re going to get. They’re really consistent, Coach Tomlin [Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin] has done a really good job there. I’m excited to play over there, we’ve played in some hostile environments like Kansas City, New Orleans, I think those are up there. This will be another one that’ll be a challenge. It’ll be fun to play them and be a fun atmosphere.”

It’s a non-story for this game, which will be an intriguing matchup of two surging teams. But regardless, Lawrence and the Jaguars come into the game playing for AFC positioning and more importantly, looking to send a message that they are to be reckoned with among the top AFC teams. Pittsburgh wants to elevate itself into that conversation, too.