All Heart: My Story

John Walker is a professor of Spanish at Queen’s University.

Perhaps the most popular, best-known, and most-publicized athlete in
Canada (apart from the ubiquitous Gretzky) is Mike Clemons, the
diminutive Toronto Argonaut football player who earned the nickname
Pinball for his skill and perseverance in running a football. For over a
decade, Clemons has attracted media attention for his thrilling style of
play and also for his contributions to charities (Special Olympics,
United Way, and others).

In this entertaining and well-written autobiography, Clemons relates
his life story, starting with his humble beginnings in Dunedin, Florida.
He grew up in the Project, in a single-parent family, and was the
beneficiary of maternal support and a strong church background. Football
fans will enjoy the stories of high-school football and college games
(Clemons is an economics graduate of William and Mary), the author’s
disillusionment with the NFL, and the astute career move he made in
coming to the CFL in 1989. In addition to telling humorous stories and
reliving games, Clemons, a shrewd observer of the game, makes some
telling points about owners (Bruce McNall), coaches (Don Matthews, Bob
O’Billovich), and systems. Having served the Argos faithfully up
through the volatile seasons of the 1990s, he has three Grey Cup rings
to show for his efforts, and not a few injuries.

The last two chapters are devoted to the author’s civic efforts on
behalf of the disadvantaged, through programs like “Tackle Violence”
and MAD (Make a Difference) that address drugs and child abuse, among
other problems. Although often portrayed as a smiling, talkative
do-gooder, Williams is an articulate, serious young man who prides
himself on being a good husband, father, and son. In the final chapter,
he reveals much about his character, beliefs, and values through
interesting comments on racism, loyalty, U.S.–Canada relations, and
the relationship between sports and money; of special importance in his
life is religion and a personal commitment to God. All Heart is a
thoroughly engaging book.