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...
- (9)
Mari Carmen Pizarro stands at the forefront of leadership expertise, possessing over 25 years of dedicated experience in cultivating exceptional leaders and enhancing human performance. With an unwavering commitment to guiding leaders towards unparalleled success, she has become a revered figure in the realm of leadership development. Through her insightful guidance and transformative strategies, Mari […]
- Travels from: Philadelphia, PA
- Hispanic Speakers
- (31)
Louie Gravance is a globally celebrated authority in customer service, employee engagement, and corporate culture transformation. With an unparalleled ability to captivate audiences, Louie translates his rich expertise into actionable strategies that inspire organizations to create unforgettable customer experiences and foster thriving workplace cultures. As a former Disney Institute Professor, Louie brings the magic of […]
- Travels from: Orlando, FL
- Culture Speakers
- (24)
- (1)
Madeleine Black is a powerful keynote speaker, author, and advocate whose compelling journey of survival and resilience has transformed countless lives worldwide. Known for her courage in breaking the silence on sexual violence, Madeleine uses her story as a catalyst for change, inspiring audiences to confront trauma, embrace forgiveness, and foster understanding. Her work centers […]
- Travels from: Edinburgh
- Inspirational Speakers
- (38)
Hailed as the “female Jerry Maguire” by CNN, Molly Fletcher made a name for herself as one of the first female sports agents. During her almost two-decade career as President of CSE, Molly negotiated over $500 million in contracts and represented over 300 of sports’ biggest names, including Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz, PGA […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Leadership Speakers
- (42)
Amy Van Dyken-Rouen’s journey from Olympic glory to overcoming personal adversity stands as a testament to resilience and determination. As a six-time Olympic gold medalist, she made history at the 1996 Atlanta Games by becoming the first American woman to secure four gold medals in a single Olympiad. Beyond her athletic achievements, Amy’s life took […]
- Travels from: Phoenix, AZ
- Motivational Speakers
- (15)
Jasmine Star helps entrepreneurs build a brand and market it on social media. After quitting law school, she picked up a camera, built an internationally recognized business, and teaches others how to do the same. In addition to chasing wild dreams, Jasmine works with her husband and grumpy dog, and you’ll likely find her walking […]
- Travels from: Newport Beach, CA
- Business Speakers
- (84)
Scott Christopher is co-author of the best-selling business book The Levity Effect: Why It Pays to Lighten Up, People People and The Seven UPS of Happiness. As the former director of the Carrot Culture, Scott was also a contributing author of the very good selling A Carrot A Day, The Daily Carrot Principle. In addition to having a Master’s degree […]
- Travels from: Salt Lake City, UT
- Motivational Speakers
- (14)
Hello, my name is Frank Kitchen…Yes, my last name really is Kitchen. I’m known as the “Mindset Master Chef.” I’m a Husband, Father, Friend, Son, Brother, Volunteer, Professional Speaker and Author. I’m far from perfect, and understand that I need to work everyday to get a little better at each. My passion is working with […]
- Travels from: Goodyear, AZ
- Motivational 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.
