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...
- (32)
- (5)
Peter Diamandis is a globally renowned entrepreneur, futurist, and bestselling author, recognized as one of Fortune’s “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.” He is the founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation, a pioneering organization that designs and operates large-scale incentive competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. He is also the executive founder of Singularity University, […]
- Travels from: Santa Monica, CA
- Leadership Speakers
- (14)
Kristen Brown is not your average speaker; she’s a force of nature. With her infectious energy, quick wit, and deep expertise in energy mastery, she electrifies audiences around the globe. As a high-energy, funny, and relevant energy mastery expert and biohacker, Kristen has a singular mission: to charge up all dimensions of her audience’s lives, […]
- Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
- Motivational Speakers
- (44)
From humble beginnings on a midwest farm in central Ohio, Jeff Bloomfield has taken the life lessons from his storytelling “Papaw” (Grandfather) combined with his corporate career in Biotech and Neuroscience to create programs that allow you to discover how you’re truly wired for greatness and how to communicate in an authentic way to drive […]
- Travels from: Mason, OH
- Sales Speakers
- (52)
Peter Schiff is the CEO and Chief Global Strategist of Euro Pacific Capital, an SEC- registered investment adviser and a full-service broker/dealer. He is one of the few widely known economists and investment professionals to have spoken about the financial crisis of 2008 before it began. As a result of his views on the destructive […]
- Travels from: New Haven, CT
- Finance Speakers
- (39)
Abby Johnson has always been fiercely determined to help women in need. This drive led her to a career with Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider. However, Abby’s journey took a dramatic turn when she witnessed the reality of abortion during an ultrasound-guided procedure, prompting her to flee the organization and become a vocal […]
- Travels from: Austin, TX
- Inspirational Speakers
- (6)
- (3)
Wema Hoover is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizational development, and authentic leadership. With a career spanning decades, she has become a trusted voice for driving meaningful transformation in corporate culture. Known for her ability to inspire leaders and teams alike, Wema’s thought-provoking insights and actionable strategies resonate on […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Diversity Speakers
- (31)
Jasmine Ellis is a Stand Up Comedian, ,Entertainment Journalist and podcast host from Arlington, Texas. Jasmine tours colleges and clubs nationally and has been featured at over a dozen of the Top comedy festivals including Moontower, 10,000 Laughs, Limestone and Black Girl Giggles.. Her Debut comedy Album Trashbaby went #1 on iTunes and has been […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Comedian Performers
- (11)
Peter Dinklage has become a household name, captivating audiences worldwide with his extraordinary talent and charismatic presence. Best known for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in HBO’s critically acclaimed TV series “Game of Thrones,” Dinklage’s career spans over two decades, marked by a series of impressive performances on both stage and screen. His ability to […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Celebrity 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.