PITTSBURGH -- It doesn't appear the legendary Steelers announcer is getting out of the hospital right away.

Broadcaster Myron Cope is in a local hospital, recovering from pneumonia after being admitted Thursday.

Former Steelers linebacker Andy Russell was one of a number of Steelers alums at the Hoge, Starks, Ward Charity Golf Tournament who offered well wishes to the legendary Steelers broadcaster.

He admitted to Channel 4 Action News reporter Sally Wiggin that Cope was struggling.

"He is in emergency care. He has pneumonia. I was told yesterday he is going to be moved out of there into a normal place," said Russell.

They have been friends for years -- so much so that Cope made Russell his guest at his Hall of Fame induction last summer.

"This is serious?" Wiggin asked.

"This is serious. He is hooked up to all kinds of tubes. (They're) working very hard on him. He is a tough guy. He was smiling and talking and we were holding hands. I have known him before he became a broadcaster. Then he was a writer. He is a great guy," Russell said.

Wiggin also talked with Cope's close friend Joe Gordon on Sunday night.

The former Steelers publicist said that when Cope went into the hospital, he was very sick but he has improved a lot and he has been stabilized.

This is the most recent health setback for the longtime former Steelers broadcaster.

Cope, 77, retired last summer after illness slowed down his broadcast schedule.

In 2004, Cope was diagnosed with polymyalgia, a condition that has kept the "Terrible Towel" inventor in constant pain.

Later that summer, Cope was hospitalized during a preseason game and also underwent surgery to remove a cancerous bump.