July 29, 2010

Making a play for the girl

How Pinball kicked off a 25-year love story

The couple at their wedding

The couple at their wedding

FOOTBALL LEGEND MICHAEL Lutrell Clemons, better known as “Pinball,” has always been an incredible leader, on and off the field, but that didn’t help him catch the eye of wife Diane. When they met, the pair were still in their teens, and he was already a college gridiron star, but she wasn’t a football fan and wasn’t impressed. These days, Pinball is one of most beloved athletes in Toronto’s history. Here, Diane tells us how this Hall of Famer eventually won her heart.

How they met

We were introduced by a mutual friend while living in Florida (where we both grew up). ... I wasn’t interested. He was this great football player that everyone in the city knew, and I didn’t have a clue. I didn’t like football at all.

Another friend who had been teaching me how to play tennis was one of Michael’s best friends, but I had no idea. He suggested Michael pop by my next lesson.

Sure enough, Michael dropped by, and we were introduced for the second time. I couldn’t get away from the guy!

The first date

We decided to go for pizza...[and] closed the place down. Of course I was too shy to eat pizza, but we had a great conversation. I remember thinking that he was the most intelligent 19-year-old I’d ever met.

We had a great time, even if I did go home starving.

The courtship

After only a month together, he had to leave to go back to school. The entire eight years of our dating relationship was long distance. I remember the road trips we would take driving home from school together. We would have the best time laughing and listening to old school music. He knew the words to every song, and he’d sing his heart out! I used to love to hear him sing (he was so animated. I thought he sounded great). Love really is blind and deaf.

The Wedding

We were married in Clearwater, Florida, on June 7, 1992. Unfortunately, there was no honeymoon. Training camp had started, and then-coach Don Matthews gave Michael only two days.

Their lives today

We have three beautiful daughters: Rachel, 15; Raven, 11; and Rylie, 6. They keep us busy with their activities and have certainly been the high point in our relationship.

Our lives are still extremely busy. Public speaking keeps Michael on the road a lot. I’m focusing on my music and hope to begin working on my second CD in the next few months. We like to say there is never a dull moment in the Clemons household.

We also work with our foundation, The Michael “Pinball” Clemons Foundation. Our vision is to quicken academic excellence, infuse depth of character, promote health and vitality, and inspire generosity in youth.

Michael was my first date, first boyfriend, first love. Twenty-five years later, I’m still smitten by him.

This article appears in the September 2009 issue of Post City Magazines

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