As the current general manager of the Toronto Argonauts, Michael “Pinball” Clemons brings a unique blend of leadership, passion, and dedication to the role—a legend on the field, and now, a critical part of the team’s management. Clemons accepted the position in 2019 to help reignite the Argos’ potential and revitalize a legacy he has long held close to his heart.
Beyond his role with the Argos, Clemons is also known for his extensive philanthropic work. He co-founded The Michael Pinball Clemons Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to helping Toronto’s at-risk youth, primarily through education and mentorship.
Clemons doesn’t just serve as the face of the foundation; he is deeply involved, volunteering his time to connect with the community and make a tangible difference actively. Through his foundation, he’s creating pathways for youth, while with the Argos, he’s building a team culture that reflects his values.
What emotions arise for you in your role as the general manager for the Argos?
You know, it’s one of those things where you want to see your team doing well. So, I didn’t want to have this job because my team was not doing well, so we must always put performance first. But we are starting to move into this and are undoubtedly excited about the challenge. I would love to see my team doing well, and we will get there. Small steps first!
Could you walk us through your unique approach to business and the entrepreneurial mindset that fueled your journey to success?
God has blessed us with opportunities. We have worked hard and tried to be diligent in those things (our mission), but we have also been blessed and are grateful for that. And so, concerning our successes, it couldn’t happen without God. Further, so many wonderful people have been a part of our lives who helped build (the organization), starting with our families. My mom was single; her parents and my wife’s parents didn’t have much but made way for their eight kids. We have a very organic and grassroots story that says – if you’re diligent, you keep moving and keep working, you can make it succeed.
In your view, what are the most significant challenges that young people in Toronto are currently facing?
Well, I mean, there are multiple issues that youth in Toronto face. It’s not about ‘what are they facing?’ but rather, ‘how do we get them to the next level?’ We spend so much time discussing the issues and the problems, we don’t get solutions. We create solutions and provide pathways for our young people to succeed.
What lasting impact do you hope to achieve for Toronto’s youth through the Rally for Kids event?
Our ultimate goal is to raise funds for young people who are marginalized and who don’t have the same opportunities as most of us, so we want to change this narrative. We don’t want to feel sorry for our youth; instead, we want to be proud of them because they’re going on to post-secondary training—whether it be college, university, trades, or IT, whatever that might look like.
And ultimately, go into jobs that they desire and deserve. So that’s what our real goal here is—to empower young people and not give them a handout, but a hand up.
How has your commitment to giving back evolved from your vision for empowering young people?
Absolutely. Giving back is rooted in my experiences and the support I received growing up. I understand what it’s like to face challenges, and that’s why it’s so important to me to provide others with opportunities. It’s not about charity—it’s about creating a foundation where young people can thrive and feel supported.
How do you measure the impact of your work with the foundation?
Our impact isn’t always something you see overnight, but in the long term, we measure it by the lives changed, the young people who go on to succeed, and the ripple effects they create in their communities. It’s not just about the number of scholarships or programs; it’s about watching these kids grow, pursue their dreams, and then turn around to help others.
That’s when we know we’ve made a real difference—when those we’ve helped start helping others. It’s a cycle of empowerment that keeps on giving.
Staff Writer