Inky Johnson Speaker Biography

Author, Former College Football Player, and Motivational Speaker

Inquoris “Inky” Johnson is a motivational speaker and former collegiate athlete who lost use of his arm after a severe injury on the field, and inspires others to embrace adversity and figure out a way to use it to add value to their life or career.

Paralysis

Inky Johnson is a former University of Tennessee defensive back who didn’t allow misfortune on the field stop him from pursuing a life of purpose. On September 9, 2006, the day started with a normal college football game in Neyland Stadium. For Inky, though, the game changed everything. A routine tackle turned into a career-ending injury, and nothing has been normal for him ever since. Not with a paralyzed right arm. Not with daily pain. Not with constant physical challenges.

Book

As the survivor of an underprivileged past, you might think his injury would have destroyed his motivation and crushed his spirit. But he harnessed his inner fortitude and transformed what could have been a tragedy into a success story, which he shares in his book, Inky: An Amazing Story of Faith and Perseverance.

Inspirational

Audiences are inspired by Inky’s relentless determination, which he imparts through his dramatic yet hope-filled story. His injury only served to amplify the inspirational life he’s been living all along. Whether the topic is leadership, teamwork, or perseverance, Inky’s story affects people from within, at the core level, empowers audiences to embrace the challenges of life, and gives them the inspiration to accomplish what they otherwise have thought to be impossible.

Education

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, and giving motivational speeches to a variety of people. He and his amazing wife Allison live in Atlanta, Georgia with their beautiful children, Jada and Inky Jr.

Inky Johnson Speaking Topics

Overcoming Adversity: Faith and Perseverance

Inky Johnson shares his dramatic personal story of overcoming childhood hardship and a career-ending injury to inspire others to believe the impossible is achievable. Whether the topic is leadership, teamwork, or success in life or career, Johnson’s message of faith and perseverance motivates us all to face our daily challenges head on, and to live life with a greater purpose. His journey will resonate with your audience at the core level, empowering them to embrace the challenges of life, while giving them the inspiration and resilience to accomplish their goals and bounce back from defeat.

Leading with Purpose: The Power to Reset, Recharge, Restore, and Renew

In this keynote, Inky Johnson shares how purposeful leadership begins with the ability to reset your mindset, recharge through meaningful connections, restore your energy, and renew your commitment to your mission. Through powerful storytelling and real-life lessons, he will challenge leaders to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters. Attendees will walk away with practical tools and renewed inspiration to lead with clarity, resilience, and impact—creating a culture that thrives on unity, purpose, and excellence.

Motivation or Inspiration?

“Motivation” is often nothing more than forcing people to do something they don’t really want to do. In contrast, inspiration affects people from within, giving them the ability to accomplish what would otherwise be impossible. Through his walk and his talk, Inky embodies and imparts a truly inspirational message. Not that Inky’s injury turned him into an inspiration. It just showed the world the inspirational life he’s been living all along. Executives, sports teams, church members, and young people all benefit from the raw energy of his charismatic speaking. Whether the topic is leadership, teamwork, or perseverance, Inky inspires his audiences to embrace the challenges of life.