He worked hard to overcome physical challenges and now works just as hard to help others overcome trials through his comedy, magic and inspirational speaking.
Derrick formed BLEEPFREE Comedy where you can catch respectably clean shows in clubs across the country.
He also landed a role in the upcoming Jeff Foxworthy movie “Crackerjack”. He plays a one armed softball player named Lefty. “Don’t get excited”, Derrick says. “I’m just a featured extra. I think that’s like getting an F+”.
Derrick Tennant is not just a survivor; he’s a thriver. His journey from promising athlete to inspirational speaker is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and love in the face of adversity. Despite experiencing a life-altering tragedy that left him paralyzed and in a coma for three days, Derrick emerged from the depths of despair to become a beacon of hope and positivity for countless individuals around the world.
In his early years, Derrick Tennant was on the path to realizing his dream of a career in sports. As a promising athlete, he was making strides toward his goals when fate dealt him a devastating blow. One evening, Derrick laid down to rest, only to wake up three days later in a hospital bed, paralyzed and in a coma. Doctors diagnosed him with random bleeding from an unknown point in his brain, resulting in irreversible damage.
Following brain surgery, Derrick faced a long and arduous journey of rehabilitation. Learning to walk, talk, and perform simple daily tasks became monumental challenges. Despite the odds stacked against him, Derrick refused to succumb to despair. With unwavering determination and the support of his loved ones, he embarked on a journey of physical and emotional healing.
Throughout his ordeal, Derrick Tennant credits one thing above all else for his survival and eventual triumph: love. The outpouring of love from his family, friends, and faith community provided him with the strength and motivation to persevere in the darkest of times. Moreover, Derrick discovered the transformative power of love in his own life, learning to embody compassion, empathy, and forgiveness in the face of adversity.
Despite the challenges posed by his condition, Derrick Tennant refused to be defined by his limitations. With grit and determination, he gradually regained mobility and independence, eventually stepping out of his wheelchair and onto his feet again. Though he still grapples with the effects of his injury, Derrick chooses to focus on the “right” side of life, embracing each day as an opportunity for growth and gratitude.
As a speaker, Derrick Tennant shares his remarkable journey of resilience and redemption with audiences worldwide. Through his engaging storytelling and infectious positivity, he imparts valuable lessons on overcoming adversity, embracing change, and finding purpose in life’s challenges. Derrick’s message resonates with individuals from all walks of life, inspiring them to adopt a mindset of possibility and perseverance in the face of obstacles.
In Derrick Tennant, audiences find not just a speaker, but a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit. His journey from tragedy to triumph serves as a powerful reminder that with love, perseverance, and a positive outlook, anything is possible.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
India Arie is a four-time Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She has sold over 10 million records worldwide. Her new short film “Welcome Home – Crazy/Sacred Space” was created to help calm the nation and bring focus to wellness, peace, tranquility and calmness during the pandemic. Being a fierce spiritual warrior navigating […]
Johnny Quinn is a keynote speaker, U.S. Olympian, and former NFL player who inspires audiences to break through their personal and professional barriers. His transformative speeches, grounded in resilience and peak performance, are sought after by corporations, organizations, and educational institutions worldwide. As a renowned expert on overcoming adversity and adapting to change, Johnny’s dynamic […]
Jeanette Andrews is hailed as one of the most innovative illusionists in the world today and has staged hundreds of sold-out and standing-room-only performances for Fortune 500 companies, theaters and universities including Infiniti, Kraft, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lyric Opera & Chicago Ideas Week. She has presented commissioned and site-specific works for The Smithsonian’s Cooper Hewitt, […]
Peter Sheahan is a globally recognized thought leader, keynote speaker, and best-selling author specializing in business transformation, innovative leadership, and growth in the face of disruption. As the founder and CEO of Karrikins Group, Peter has worked with some of the world’s most prominent brands, including Apple, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft, helping them navigate change, […]
Michelle Gielan is a leading voice in the field of positive psychology and employee engagement. A former CBS News anchor turned researcher, she has dedicated her career to understanding the impact of positivity on workplace culture and productivity. As a prominent keynote speaker, Michelle blends research-backed insights with her background in broadcast journalism, making her […]
Kathy Cleveland Bull is a highly regarded professional speaker, trainer, and consultant. Her company, N~Compass Consulting, has helped clients on three continents “Navigate the Art and Science of Change.” Kathy has appeared with Dr. Phil McGraw and Deepak Chopra where she delivered her powerful change message to an audience of over 7,000 people. Kathy conducts […]
Alexandra Carter is a Clinical Professor of Law and the Director of the Mediation Clinic at Columbia Law School. In 2019, Professor Carter was awarded the Columbia University Presidential Award for Outstanding Teaching, Columbia’s highest teaching honor. Her first book, Ask for More: Ten Questions to Negotiate Anything, was published by Simon & Schuster on […]
Rebecca Walker, a prominent figure in the literary world, a dedicated advocate for diversity, and a respected voice in the LGBTQ community. With a compelling blend of personal experience, intellectual insight, and a commitment to social change, Rebecca Walker captivates audiences worldwide as both an author and a keynote speaker. About Rebecca Walker: Rebecca Walker […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel