Michael "Pinball" Clemons

Born and raised in Florida, this William and 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 compiled 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 (Canada's Super Bowl) 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.

Topics

• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Excellence
• Winning Against the Odds
• Community Development / Public Service
• Work - Life Balance

Brian Nugent

Brian Nugent comes from a family of seven and hails from Brampton Ontario.

Brian is a gifted multidimensional athlete, who was All-Star in basketball, track, soccer, badminton, volleyball, and football. A high school honours student Brian was ranked among the top 5 football players in Canada.

Brian attended York University studying communications he was a 3 time OUA All-Star, and a CIS All-Canadian at wide receiver.

Following his prolific career at York University Brian was the 1st player in the University's history to be selected in the 1st round of the CFL draft being the 9th selection by the Calgary Stampeders. He went on to play 4 years of professional football with the Indianapolis Colts, Calgary Stampeders, Montreal Alouettes, then retiring with the Toronto Argonauts.

Brian is the Founder of Pro Elite Football Camp where they provide life skills as well as intense physical and mental training for the sport of football. The camp also has a sponsorship program that enables under resourced youth to attend. The Brampton Minor Football Association has honoured Brian for his exhaustive measures helping grass roots football in Brampton with the naming of a trophy for their best offensive player in his name every season.

An experienced unicycle rider and a proficient piano player, Brian is a fresh motivational speaker. Brian is known for his dynamic energy and inspirational stories that apply to current affairs and concerns of today. A spokesperson for multiple organizations, Brian is an accomplished speaker who has the capacity to empower everyone from students to CEO's.

"...Brian is a brilliant speaker who engages you from the very start. His message is very relevant and speaks to all; Brian is extraordinarily passionate, sincere and articulate. Brian exemplifies the mindset of a winner and true leader. We were very impressed with ability to keep us captivated with his engaging stories and involving the audience. We all left the presentation with knowing how to get the best out of ourselves on a consistent basis..."

Abbigail Hamilton
Founder
ResQ Youth International

"Just wanted to say a big "thank-you" on behalf of the students and teachers involved in Friday's presentation. We had kids holding up their hands and saying, "I'll never wash this hand!" after giving Brian a high-five. They were truly inspired. Aside from the "mobbing" at the end, it was a flawless presentation. Thanks again."

Linda Briden

Damon Allen

One of the most accomplished and celebrated players in the CFL, Allen's unprecedented 23-year career as an elite quarterback spanned three decades and included four Grey Cup Championships, three Grey Cup MVPs and one CFL Most Outstanding Player Award.

Allen's 72,381 passing yards are more than any other player in professional football, and his 11,914 rushing yards rank as the third-highest total in CFL history - just 329 yards behind his brother, Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen's career rushing total. He is one of just three quarterbacks in league history to run for 1,000 yards in a single season (Tracey Hamm and Kerry Joseph) - an achievement he reached in 1991 with the Ottawa Rough Riders.

Damon Allen remarked, "The game of football has given me every emotion a person can feel. It has been a dream ride. I have given football my mind, body and soul. When it is all said and done, I have met some incredible people. I want to thank the fans across the Canadian Football League for supporting me, the players in the CFL for challenging me to be the best and the incredible coaches in our league that continue to teach the game."

In just five seasons in Toronto, Allen has also carved his name into club record books. He sits second in club history in career passing yards (13,974), career attempts (1,713) and completions (1,051), career passing touchdowns (77), once completed 13 consecutive passes in a game - the second -best streak in team history and is in the top 5 in Rushing touchdowns in the CFL with 95.

In 1984 Damon was drafted by the Detroit Tigers where his team winning the National Championships at Fullerton.

Allen ended his illustrious career holding the following CFL Regular Season records:

• CFL's all-time leading passer - 72,831 yards
• CFL's all-time leader in passing touchdowns - 394
• CFL's all-time leader in pass attempts - 9,138
• CFL's all-time leader in pass completions - 5,158
• Longest Pass Completion - 109 yards
• CFL's all-time leader in rushing yards by a quarterback (ranks 3rd in all-time CFL rushing, by any player) - 11,914
• In top 5 in Rushing touchdowns in the CFL with 95

Damon Allen is also well known for his charitable endeavours including:

• The Damon Allen Quarterback Challenge for Kids
• Grey Cup Event Night of Champions for which the proceeds are given to Amateur Football in Canada

Stay tuned to hear more about Damon's newest endeavour, the Damon Allen Quarterback Academy which is soon to be launched.