TORONTO -- Mike (Pinball) Clemons is officially a Canadian citizen.
Clemons, the vice-chair of the Toronto Argonauts, and his wife, Diane, became Canadian citizens Tuesday, the CFL club announced Thursday.
Clemons, a native of Clearwater, Fla., arrived in Toronto in 1989 as a rookie running back with the Argos. He played 12 seasons in Toronto and has also served as an executive and head coach with the club.
Clemons won four Grey Cups with Toronto as a player and head coach. Clemons' last title came in '04 when he became the first black head coach in pro football history to win a championship.
Clemons was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
"It's hard to describe the depth and breadth of my gratitude and joy, but what I can say is that everything I dreamed of as a kid growing up in Florida has come true in Canada," Clemons said in a statement. "In fact, as an adult, being a Canadian is almost all I know and I love it.
"On behalf of my family, thank you for loving us, embracing us and making us one of your own -- a proud Canadian."
