Michael "Pinball" Clemons

Michael "Pinball" Clemons is a Canadian football player, coach, and sports executive best known for his long career with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Michael "Pinball" Clemons is a Canadian football player, coach, and sports executive best known for his long career with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Born in Florida, he became a Canadian resident and is also known for his philanthropy through the Pinball Clemons Foundation. Clemons is a prominent figure in Canadian football and a well-known Canadian philanthropist, with major ties to the Toronto Argonauts, Ontario honours, and youth-focused charitable work in Canada.

Early life and education

Clemons was born in Dunedin, Florida, and played college football at William & Mary, where he graduated with an economics degree.

CFL playing career

He signed with the Toronto Argonauts in 1989 and became one of the CFL’s most recognized players, known for his speed, agility, and versatility as a return specialist and running back. He was nicknamed "Pinball" because of his running style and ability to bounce off defenders. He held the CFL record for career combined yards, listed in sources as 25,438 or 25,396.

Coaching and executive career

After retiring as a player in 2000, Clemons moved into coaching and football administration with the Argonauts, later serving in senior leadership roles including chief executive officer. He won multiple Grey Cup championships with the Argonauts as a player and later as a coach or executive.

Philanthropy

In 2007, Clemons and his wife Diane founded the Pinball Clemons Foundation, which focuses on helping youth through education and community support.

Honours and legacy

Clemons has been inducted into major football and sports halls of fame, including the Canadian Football Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. He has also received major Canadian honours, including the Order of Ontario and the Meritorious Service Cross.