Barrie born Argos star James “Jim” Corrigall dead at 80
Jim Corrigall, a prominent Canadian defensive lineman for the Toronto Argonauts, has passed away at the age of 80. His alma mater, Kent State University, announced his death on Wednesday. The university did not disclose the cause of death.
In 2019, Corrigall and his daughter, Amy Corrigall Jones, shared with the Akron Beacon Journal that he likely suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma.
Kent State acknowledged Corrigall’s passing on social media, stating, “We mourn the passing of Kent State great Jim Corrigall. Jim embodied what it means to be a Golden Flash both as a player and a coach.” The university extended its thoughts to his family, friends, teammates, and those who knew him.
A Distinguished Playing Career
Born in Barrie, Ontario, Corrigall attended high school in North Bay before his collegiate career at Kent State. The six-foot-three, 253-pound lineman had a notable university career, earning recognition as the team’s most valuable sophomore, top defensive lineman, and most inspirational player.
He was the first Kent State player to be selected to the first team All-Mid-American Conference for three consecutive years. Following his graduation, Kent State retired Corrigall’s No. 79 jersey.
Corrigall’s performance attracted the attention of the St. Louis Cardinals, who drafted him as their second-round pick, No. 33 overall, in the 1970 NFL draft. However, Corrigall chose to play for the Argos, who held his territorial rights.
He spent his entire 12-year CFL career with Toronto. Corrigall mentioned to the Argos’ website that he believed the team had a better chance to win at the time and offered him a two-year contract, which he found appealing.
Corrigall was named the East Division’s top rookie in 1970 and was a conference all-star eight times. A four-time All-Canadian, he was recognized as the CFL’s top defensive player in 1975. That same year, he was also nominated as Toronto’s outstanding player and top Canadian.
He received nominations for all three awards again three years later. Corrigall concluded his playing tenure with Toronto as a player-coach for his final two seasons.
Reflecting on his time in Toronto, Corrigall described it as an “energizing time” filled with various emotions. He stated that Toronto was an excellent place to play, praising the people and the press for their consistent support.
Legacy and Accolades
Corrigall, often considered a central figure in the Argos’ defence, participated in 148 regular-season games and five playoff contests with Toronto. He played in one Grey Cup, the 1971 game where the Calgary Stampeders secured a 14-11 victory.
He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and was named to the All-Time Argos list in 1997. Corrigall described his Hall of Fame induction as a “thrilling moment” and a “very humbling” experience, attributing it to the support he received throughout his life.
Corrigall is also a member of the Kent State Athletics Hall of Fame, the Mid-American Conference Hall of Fame, the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Barrie Sports Hall of Fame.
Former Argos head coach Leo Cahill commented on Corrigall’s Hall of Fame selection, calling him a “great football player.” Cahill noted that he converted Corrigall from a middle linebacker at Kent State to a defensive end, believing he lacked the mobility for pass coverage but excelled in other aspects of the game. Cahill summarized Corrigall as having an “insatiable need to get to the ball carrier in the least amount of time in a bad frame of mind.”
The Toronto Argonauts Alumni Association expressed their sorrow, with president Jason Pottinger stating, “Jim’s combination of enormous talent and ferocity as a player, coupled with the boyish enthusiasm of his post-sack cartwheels, made him an obvious fan favourite.”
Corrigall recorded 16 fumble recoveries and one interception over 146 career regular-season games. The Toronto Argonauts are scheduled to visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Hamilton Stadium on Saturday, July 18, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. EDT.
Source: sportsnet.ca
