Videos & Resources
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VIDEOS:
Farm Credit Canada - Interview
Interview - Ivey Leadership Series
LATEST BOOKS:
"ALL HEART: MY STORY"
All Heart is a story of winning against all odds, of succeeding while others predicted failure, of giving more when less would have been satisfactory. In this book Michael "Pinball" Clemons tells of his battle to find his niche, revealing the inner workings of two quite different professional leagues, the management, the coaches and the players. An athlete with true character, an incredibly generous spirit and a quiet dignity that shines on and off the field, Michael tells how his upbringing has shaped him, how his steadfast faith has always guided him, and how his commitment to his team and his community is much more than just a professional veneer, but a deeply held feeling of true spirit and belonging.
"PINBALL: THE MAKING OF A CANADIAN HERO"
In 2004, Michael "Pinball" Clemons became the first black coach in the history of the CFL to hoist the Grey Cup in victory, the culmination of an experience that began when he came to Canada in 1989 as an unheralded American football player deemed too small to make it in the National Football League. Not only did Clemons make it big — literally and figuratively — in the Canadian Football League in a career that spanned 11½ seasons, but he cultivated a reputation as an enduring Canadian figure. In Michael "Pinball" Clemons book, it explains how it all came to be and how Mike Clemons' special qualities contributed to making him an enduring Canadian personality, well known beyond the city of Toronto where he became the most popular athlete.
Michael "Pinball" Clemons
Canadian Sports Hall-of-Famer;
General Mgr. Toronto Argonauts
Motivational Speaker Michael "Pinball" Clemons, exemplifies the qualities of teamwork, personal excellence, community leadership and overcoming the odds. With boundless energy and moments of quiet introspection, "Pinball" 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. His speaking presentations consistently receive rave reviews and overwhelming audience enthusiasm. +
Clemons joined the National Football League in 1987, and CFL’s Toronto Argonauts in 1989. He was nicknamed “Pinball” because of his running style — his diminutive size and extraordinary balance allowed him to “bounce” between defensive players, drawing comparisons to a pinball machine.
Clemons won the Grey Cup in 1991, 1996, and 1997 with the Argonauts, and was honoured with the CFL’s “most outstanding player” award in 1990, after setting the single-season record for all-purpose yards. He played his last game as an Argonaut in 2000, before becoming head coach of the team in the same year. He led the football club to six consecutive East Division Finals, including the 2004 championship, concluding his coaching tenure with 68 wins — the second highest in the team history.
In 2007, Clemons stepped down as head coach to become the chief executive officer, and in 2009, he was appointed as the vice-chair of the team. In 2019, Clemons was named the 20th general manager of the Toronto Argonauts.
Clemons is also the founder of the Pinball Clemons Foundation, a non-profit organization that empowers youth through education. Since it’s founding in 2007, it’s been responsible for the construction of a hospital in Uganda, over 200 schools in developing countries, two orphanages in Haiti, and locally awarded more than 200 scholarships.
In recognition of his work, Clemons received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Meritorious Service Cross, and is a member of the Order of Ontario. He has also been inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. --
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Michael "Pinball" Clemons Speaker Presentations:
Overcoming the Impossible: How to Cultivate Character & Beat the Odds +
Because of his small stature, Michael “Pinball” Clemons’ chances for success in the realm of professional football were slim. Yet he never let the odds deter him. With fierce determination, incredible perseverance, and an unyielding belief in himself, Clemons shattered the expectations set before him to become a reigning champion and three-time Grey Cup Winner with the Toronto Argonauts. In this spirited motivational talk, Clemons shares intimate details about his upbringing, his faith, and his commitment to a cause greater than himself. His talk inspires us to think beyond terms of skill, taking into account the importance of character in overcoming obstacles. Passionate, contagious, electrifying, Clemons’ shows us how to reach our true potential, by putting our mind—and heart—into everything we do. --
All Heart +
It is impossible to overstate just how dynamic, how energizing Michael Clemons is on stage. Contrasting boundless "pinball"-like energy with moments of quiet dignity, he engages audience members, literally, to deliver an unforgettable, often emotional speech. One of the most in-demand speakers in Canada, he talks with unabashed passion about teamwork, about the potential in each of us to achieve anything we set our minds to, and about putting your heart—fully—into everything you do. --
The Importance of Teamwork +
Toronto Argonauts former coach and player Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons is a man of unquestionable character and spirit. Not only is he renowned for his achievements on the football field, Pinball’s aptitude for motivational speaking is undeniable. His presentations are at once captivating and empowering. He exemplifies the capabilities of teamwork and leadership while demonstrating what it means to beat the odds.
Michael’s tireless community involvement and participation in countless charitable causes exemplify the qualities he possesses, which are so rarely found in today’s professional athletes. His presentations are at once captivating and empowering, and clearly demonstrate the capabilities of teamwork.
Clemons will share his past experiences to illustrate how people can overcome obstacles and achieve success. Being just 5 feet, 6 inches tall and becoming a football superstar is quite exceptional. In his deeply moving and inspirational talk, he will speak about personal perseverance and the importance of teamwork, which is relevant to any industry. --
Winning Against the Odds +
Renowned as one of pro football’s most electrifying players, Toronto Argonauts running back Michael “Pinball” Clemons is the CFL’s all time, all purpose yardage leader. However, it is his exceptional character, in addition to his outstanding athletic ability, which has made him the remarkable fan favourite he is throughout Canada.
Michael’s tireless community involvement and participation in countless charitable causes exemplify the qualities he possesses, which are so rarely found in today’s professional athletes. His presentations are at once captivating and empowering, and clearly demonstrate the capabilities of teamwork.
At only 5 feet 6 inches and 170 pounds, he also inspires his audiences by illustrating what is possible and what it means to beat the odds. Pinball communicates his heartfelt stories with a passionate spirit and his patented, contagious smile. Organizations respond to his presentations with rave reviews and overwhelming enthusiasm. --
K&M Productions are honoured to represent Michael "Pinball" Clemons.
To inquire about Michael "Pinball" Clemons' date availability & booking Michael "Pinball" Clemons, contact us.
Oh my gosh...he was FANTASTIC! I would highly recommend him and hope that we can see him again in the near future. Everyone LOVED his speech.
–Affiliated Distributors
Oh my gosh...he was FANTASTIC! I would highly recommend him and hope that we can see him again in the near future. Everyone LOVED his speech.
–Affiliated Distributors
We have had several speakers over the past few years, but you are the best! Your passion, energy, humility and great sense of humour really resonated with the group–I know they left the room pumped!
–CIBC
"Pinball" was fantastic, very motivational! We received excellent feedback from all of the delegates. We are so pleased that we were able to have him speak. Thanks again to K&M Productions for all of your assistance.
–OPBA (Ont. Public Buyers Assoc.)
Thank you for recommending "Pinball". He was a big hit with our group, delivering a strong, positive and thought provoking message. That in mind, we will be sure to turn to K&M Productions whenever we require any corporate speakers in the future.
–UAP Inc.
Everything was great. He did an amazing job, everyone at our conference thoroughly enjoyed having him speak.
–United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW)
I knew Michael was going to be great, but he exceeded all expectations. He was absolutely amazing. The nicest man I have ever met. Everyone commented on how touched they were by his speech. The room was filled with laughter and tears. His stories were touching and hit close to home for a lot of us. I have never seen my team as excited about something has they were after Michael’s visit! I will be recommending Michael to friends and family, and other organizations as well. We were extremely pleased and blessed to have him attend our meeting.
–HD Supply Canada Inc.
Just superb! He did an excellent job at tying in our sales training with coaching. In addition, he was EXTREMELY motivational.
–Bell Mobility