Chuck Noll (January 5, 1932 — Friday June 13, 2014). Coach, you will be remembered always. You are at the foundation of Pittsburgh pride.
It was Friday, February 2nd, 1979, and my wife, daughter and I ventured into Market Square, downtown Pittsburgh, to join the celebration of the Pittsburgh Steeler victory of Superbowl XIII, twelve days earlier. Here is exactly what we experienced.
(Observer-Reporter, Washington, PA. Sat. Feb 3, 1979):
Pittsburgh (AP) – The “terrible Towels” twirled again Friday as Pittsburgh fans forgot the freeze, danced the polka in the snow, and saluted the three-time Super Bowl Champs. The noon gathering, orchestrated by the team and city, drew perhaps 5,000 of the faithful to Market Square despite 17-degree weather. Jammed shoulder to shoulder, they wore black and gold Steeler paraphernalia and 12-day old victory smiles from Super Bowl XIII. A band played the polka that’s won acceptance as the Steeler fightsong, and fans bounced to the beat. The lyrics, sung with an accent: “We’re from da town with dat great football team … We love the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
The Steeler emcee, Myron Cope, was flanked on the stage by Chuck Noll, whom he calls Chas. Noll. “By the power vested in me by nobody in particular, I am here to proclaim that a dynasty has arrived, the Steelers of the 70s,” said Cope. “All hail the dynasty . . . All Hail the Emperor, Chas. Noll.”
Noll, who never talks of dynasties, smiled broadly as he addressed the cheering crowd. “We’re proud because we have the best team . . . the best coaching staff . . . the best owners . . . and the best fans in the National Football League,” Noll said. “It is a pleasure to represent you.”
Cope handled the finale. “All hail the dynasty . . . All Hail the Emperor, Chas. Noll. On to Super Bowl XIV. This team has not peaked yet!”
City Salutes Dynasty of Super Steelers
That’s how it happened (except for maybe the polka dancing in the snow). We were there that frigid Friday afternoon in 1979. It seems like yesterday.
Sports Illustrated: no.8624
