Michael Pinball Clemons was born and raised in Florida, this William & Mary economics graduate began his career in the Canadian Football League in 1989, after a brief stint in the National Football League. Renowned as one of pro football’s most electrifying players, Clemons achieved a brilliant career, including a pro-football record for most career combined yards with 25,438. He retired with 12 all-time team records to his credit and became Head Coach for the Toronto Argonauts. In this capacity he became the 1st and only black Head Coach to win the Grey Cup in 96 years. In 2008, he was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame with his friend and former teammate Doug Flutie.
Michael “Pinball” Clemons is an icon of sporting excellence, community leadership, personal character and integrity. He’s an author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and currently the vice-chair of the Toronto Argonauts. A dynamic on‐‐‐stage personality with quiet dignity, but also boundless energy, he engages audience members and delivers an unforgettable, often emotional speech that touches on the potential in all of us to achieve anything to which we set our minds. Organizations respond to his presentations with rave reviews and overwhelming enthusiasm.