Jim Corrigall, Kent State Legend, Passes Away at 80

A Remarkable Playing Career

Jim Corrigall spent his college days as a defensive star for the Golden Flashes from 1967 through 1969. He became the first Kent State player to earn first‑team All‑MAC honors in three straight seasons and also served as captain for two consecutive years. His performance earned him All‑America recognition and set a high standard for future Golden Flashes defenders.

After college, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Corrigall in the second round of the 1970 NFL Draft (33rd overall), but he chose to pursue a career in the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts. He played 12 seasons for the Argonauts, spending the final two years as a player‑coach, and was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 1975. Toronto later placed him on its All‑Time Argos list in 1997.

Corrigall’s impact on the field was matched by his hall‑of‑fame status. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, the Kent State Varsity K 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. Born and raised in Barrie, Ontario, he graduated from Kent State in 1970.

Coaching Legacy and Impact

After his playing days, Corrigall returned to Kent State as head coach from 1994 to 1997. He guided the Golden Flashes to an 8‑35‑1 record across four seasons, a period that tested his ability to rebuild the program. His tenure was marked by dedication to development, and he later volunteered as an assistant at Mount Union in 1998.

Earlier in his career, Corrigall was hired by the late Gerry Faust to lead the linebacker unit at Akron in 1987. Faust praised Corrigall’s ethics and caring nature, saying, “If every coach was like Coach Corrigall as a person… that’s what Corrigall’s about.” Legendary Mount Union coach Larry Kehres added, “In meeting Jim Corrigall, after five minutes, you just want the guy to be around… I just love Jim Corrigall.”

Beyond the college ranks, Corrigall coached at the high school level, including stints at Ravenna, St. Vincent‑St. Mary, and Archbishop Hoban, as well as at the University of Akron, North Carolina State, Hiram College, and Mount Union. His coaching philosophy centered on building relationships and leaving a lasting impact on young athletes.

Later Life and Health Struggles

In 2019, Corrigall’s family disclosed that he had been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His daughter, Amy Corrigall Jones, revealed that her father had been knocked out “multiple times a year” during his playing career. He received a deep brain stimulation (DBS) implant in hopes of easing CTE symptoms.

Corrigall and his wife, Marybeth, raised two children, Jim and Amy. He remained active in football communities, working with high school programs well into his later years. His openness about CTE has added to the growing conversation about head injuries in contact sports.

Lasting Influence and Tributes

Current Kent State coach Mark Carney honored Corrigall shortly after the news of his death, noting he was “one of just five players to have his number retired here. Your legacy will not soon be forgotten Coach!” The retirement of his number underscores his status as a cornerstone of Kent State football tradition.

The outpouring of respect highlights Corrigall’s broader impact beyond statistics. His induction into multiple halls of fame demonstrates how his contributions were recognized across college football, the CFL, and local sporting communities. The tributes from former colleagues and rivals alike illustrate the personal respect he commanded.

• Canadian Football Hall of Fame inductee
• Kent State Varsity K Athletics Hall of Fame
• Mid‑American Conference Hall of Fame
• Summit County Sports Hall of Fame
• Barrie Sports Hall of Fame

What His Story Means for the Game

Corrigall’s journey from a star defender to a respected coach and advocate for health awareness reflects broader changes in how football addresses player safety. His struggle with CTE, a condition now at the forefront of sports medicine, serves as a cautionary tale for current and future generations.

His choice to play in the CFL over the NFL also highlights the global nature of the sport and the pathways available to athletes seeking different competitive environments. As the game continues to evolve, stories like his remind stakeholders of the importance of long‑term health monitoring and support systems for former players.

The legacy Corrigall leaves behind is one of excellence on the field, integrity off it, and a commitment to mentorship. He will be remembered not only for his achievements on the field but also for his role in shaping the next wave of football talent and professionals.