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...
- (61)
Erin O’Flaherty stands as a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and advocacy in the realm of professional speaking. Crowned as Miss Missouri, she brings a profound and multifaceted narrative to the stage, intertwining her journey as a LGBTQ+ advocate with her passion for suicide prevention. With a compelling presence and an unwavering commitment to her causes, […]
- Travels from: Orlando, FL
- Inspirational Speakers
- (61)
Diana Nyad, a name synonymous with unyielding determination and indomitable spirit, is a true embodiment of the human potential to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Her remarkable journey to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage is a testament to her unshakable resolve, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (49)
- (1)
Sir Brian May, CBE, PhD, FRAS, stands as a towering figure in both the realms of music and science. As a founding member of the legendary rock band Queen, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry as a virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, producer, and performer. Beyond his musical achievements, Sir Brian May holds […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Celebrity Speakers
- (14)
- (3)
Meet Kristel Bauer, a distinguished corporate wellness expert and TEDx speaker whose mission is to facilitate transformative journeys towards enhanced happiness, success, and well-being for both individuals and companies alike. With a multifaceted background spanning Integrative Psychiatry, business acumen, and media proficiency, Kristel brings a unique blend of insights and strategies to empower, inspire, and […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Workplace Wellness
- (19)
Dr. Dennis Cummins is an internationally-acclaimed speaker, trainer, and #1 Best Selling Author of Turning Terrible into Terrific. He has been sharing his real-world strategies for business mastery and leadership communication from the stage for more than a decade. His quick-witted, straight-talking, no-nonsense style offers an entertaining dose of reality with heart. Despite his successes […]
- Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
- Sales Speakers
- (50)
Alec Ross stands as a dynamic force in the world of technology, innovation, and global affairs, renowned as a New York Times best-selling author and an esteemed Distinguished Adjunct Professor at the University of Bologna’s business school. With a fervent dedication to deciphering the complexities of our rapidly evolving world, Ross illuminates the intersections of […]
- Travels from: Baltimore, MD
- Business Speakers
- (29)
Dr. Mark Zandii is chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, where he directs economic research. Moody’s Analytics, a subsidiary of Moody’s Corp., is a leading provider of economic research, data and analytical tools. Dr. Zandi is a cofounder of Economy.com, which Moody’s purchased in 2005. Dr. Zandi is on the board of directors of MGIC, the […]
- Travels from: Philadelphia, PA
- Finance Speakers
- (56)
Ari Gunzburg learned about death early in life. He experienced a traumatic moment when only 10 years old, when his teacher passed away while on a hiking trip. This would affect his life deeply and change his perspective forever. Following the death of this teacher, there was trouble afoot at school for all of the […]
- Travels from: Baltimore, MD
- 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.
