Inky Johnson: NFL Football Player
Inspirational keynote speaker and former University of Tennessee football player Inky Johnson empowers audiences with resilience, faith-driven leadership, and purpose after a life-altering injury.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Former University of Tennessee football player
- Life-changing spinal injury ended professional sports aspirations
- Master’s degree in sports psychology
- Mentor to athletes and underserved youth
- Formats: Inspirational Keynote Speaker on Resilience, Faith, and Leadership
- Audiences: Corporate leaders, sales teams, athletic programs, educators, faith-based organizations, and youth leadership events seeking authentic inspiration and resilience training.
- Outcomes:
- Reframed perspective on adversity and personal setbacks
- Renewed commitment to purpose, discipline, and integrity
- Increased resilience and leadership mindset
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000
Talent Services
Talent Short Bio
Inquoris “Inky” Johnson is an inspirational keynote speaker whose life changed forever on September 9, 2006, during a college football game at Neyland Stadium. A routine tackle resulted in a catastrophic injury that left his right arm permanently paralyzed and ended his dream of playing professional football.
Raised in an underprivileged environment marked by poverty and violence, Inky had always relied on discipline, faith, and relentless determination to pursue success. His injury could have defined him by loss. Instead, it became the foundation of a greater purpose.
Inky holds a master’s degree in sports psychology from the University of Tennessee and has dedicated his life to mentoring athletes, leaders, and underserved youth. He challenges audiences to reframe adversity, asking not whether they are failing, but whether a greater purpose is prevailing. His message centers on character, perseverance, faith, and the power of perspective.
Unlike surface-level motivation, Inky delivers inspiration that transforms from within. His story is not about football. It is about identity, resilience, and choosing purpose over circumstance. Through powerful storytelling and authentic conviction, he equips audiences to face adversity with courage and lead with unwavering integrity.
Read Full Bio
For Inky Johnson, though, the game changed everything. A routine tackle turned into a life-threatening injury, and nothing has been normal for Inky ever since. Not with a paralyzed right arm. Not with daily pain. Not with constant physical challenges.
September 9, 2006. It started as a normal college football game in Neyland Stadium. If anything, the event was an afterthought, dropped into the schedule at the last minute.
Inky Johnson dream had always been to play professional sports. You might think his injury would have destroyed his motivation and crushed his spirit. But that’s only because you don’t know Inky.
Who is Inquoris “Inky” Johnson? Inky Johnson could be described as the survivor of an underprivileged past. He could be described as a refugee of poverty and violence. He could be described as a success story stained by tragedy. But if you look deeper, you’ll discover something else.
You’ll see a man who looks in the face of defeat and says, “Am I really failing, or is God prevailing?” You’ll see a man gripped by the promise that God has purposes and plans far beyond our own. And you’ll be inspired by his relentless determination, which he loves to impart to others through his dramatic story.
Inky has a master’s degree in sports psychology from the University of Tennessee. He devotes much of his time to mentoring athletes and underprivileged youth. He and his amazing wife Allison live in Atlanta, Georgia with their beautiful children, Jada and Inky Jr.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (18)
Dr. Chris Kuehl is a Managing Director of Armada Corporate Intelligence. He provides forecasts and strategic guidance for a wide variety of corporate clients around the world. He is the chief economist for several national and international organizations – Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, National Association of Credit Management, Finance, Credit and International Business and the […]
- Travels from: Kansas City, MO
- Finance Speakers
- (28)
- (3)
Jeanne Bliss is a transformative force in customer experience, renowned for her ability to guide organizations toward becoming their best selves. With a clear and actionable framework, she helps businesses build lasting, meaningful connections with their customers. Over her decades-long career, Jeanne has pioneered the path of customer loyalty and experience, showing companies how to […]
- Travels from: Seattle, WA
- Customer Experience
- (11)
DJ MelBoogie is one of the country’s best-known female DJs. For 30 years, her roots have been deeply embedded in radio, both as a host, and mixshow format DJ. She has also hosted several events including Canadian Music Week, North By North East Indie Showcase, and has been a speaker/panelist at a variety of music […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Mobile DJ
- (20)
Ryann Richardson is a tech marketer-turned-founder and Diversity & Inclusion leader spent 10 years building brands then made history when she became the 50th Anniversary Miss Black America Her work earned her a spot as the youngest honoree on Savoy Magazine’s list of Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America and set her on the […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Leadership Speakers
- (24)
Dan Thurmon is the dynamic founder and president of Motivation Works, Inc., a highly sought-after keynote speaker, and a thought leader in the realms of leadership, transformation, and franchise success. With an expertise in guiding leaders and their organizations through periods of profound change, Dan has been instrumental in helping teams embrace challenges and convert […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Peak Performance
- (141)
Audrey Asistio anchors weekdays on NBC Bay Area News at 4:30. She joined NBC Bay Area in November 2021, co-anchored the weekend edition of NBC Bay Area News at 5, 6, and 11 p.m., and reported during the week. Audrey joined NBC Bay Area from NBC10 Boston, where she anchored the 4, 5:30, and 7 […]
- Travels from: San Jose, CA
- News Anchors
- (64)
Audie Cornish has become a recognized and trusted voice on the airwaves as co-host of NPR’s flagship news program, All Things Considered. Cornish’s career in journalism began at the Associated Press in Boston in 2001, just before the Sept. 11 terror attacks. The following year, her love of radio brought her to Boston’s WBUR, where […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- Political Speakers
- (62)
As one of the most dynamic and successful figures in the world of real estate, Fredrik Eklund embodies the essence of sales excellence and entrepreneurial prowess. Renowned as the number one broker, star of “Million Dollar Listing,” and bestselling author of “The Sell,” Fredrik Eklund has consistently set the bar high in the realms of […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Sales Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
