Inky Johnson
Motivational Speaker
Inky Johnson is a motivational speaker and former college football player for the University of Tennessee. On September 9, 2006, in the closing minutes of a tight game between Tennessee and Air Force Academy, a 20-year-old Johnson made a seemingly routine tackle on a wide receiver at the sideline. However, moments after the whistle, Johnson still had not moved from the ground and was soon carted off of the field. Upon arriving to the hospital, Johnson learned that he had paralyzed his right arm and would never play football again, ending a promising career in an instant. Despite the numerous challenges that Johnson had to conquer due to this life-changing injury, he was able to muster the strength to bounce back and reclaim for himself a fulfilling and productive life.
Johnson has spoken at various corporations, universities and high schools across the country. His motivational talks cover overcoming life’s obstacles, setting goals and his own experience with dealing with adversity. His personality and story has given him a unique ability that allows him to always connect with the audience regardless of age or profession.
Inky grew up in Atlanta, Georgia in a neighborhood riddled by extreme poverty and constant violence. He credited his strong desire to create a better life for himself and his family as the motivating factor that earned him a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee. Defined as a charismatic leader, bright student and gifted athlete, Johnson was on a path to stardom and even the NFL. Although the injury has drastically altered his career, he has adapted and now encourages others to make the most of their abilities and opportunities because of how quickly his own life changed. His book, “Inky,” with collaboration from NFL athletes, Eric Berry and Jerod Mayo, has been described as a “motivational powerhouse” and an “inspirational memoir.”
