Photo by Amy Smotherman Burgess
UT student assistant Inquoris Johnson during practice at Haslam field on April 15, 2009.
With Tennessee clinging to a precarious lead against Air Force on a 2006 night at Neyland Stadium, Inky Johnson's life was forever changed. Though he didn't realize it at the time, his hopes of a career in the NFL were instantly dashed because of a rare injury that left his entire right arm paralyzed.
His ties to the Vols, however, only grew stronger. Johnson provided motivation to a number of his teammates, including Eric Berry, who now wears Johnson's No. 29 for the Kansas City Chiefs. His experience not just during the painful ordeal, but throughout his entire life growing up in a rough section of Atlanta served as inspiration for his autobiography "Inky."
The book, which is co-authored by Jeff Hagood, can be purchased at http://inkyjohnson.com.
on Sunday, July 8, 2011 Andrew Gribble wrote a feature on Johnson and his book. He will also be on the News Sentinel Sports Page radio show on Monday, July 18, at ORNL Credit Union, 4510 Emory Road. Come out to the radio remote where Johnson will signing books from 10 to noon.
In cooperation with Voices Heard Media, we did a Q&A with Johnson. He has answered many of those with video responses. See them below.
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Comments » 13
richvol writes:
GOD bless him...
mempuss writes:
Inky Johnson is the definition of a VFL, and a class act! Inky will forever be one of my favorite vols for many reasons....but the main one being how he carries the torch for his school with such class and dignity. Inky you have inspired me, and im sure of countless others. Thank you for bleeding orange good sir. Thank you!
VOLliven2it writes:
I remember that game and that hit. I knew there would probably be an injury but had no idea the extent. Inky has remained strong through it all and deserves so much credit for perseverance. Thanks man for your faith and your faithfulness to the Big Orange!
rich182x writes:
Can I get it on my kindle?
dvhill100 writes:
ASH Inky Johnson? Really?
tdforvols writes:
My thoughts exactly....lol
tdforvols writes:
Ah, They just fixed it.
utvolfan writes:
His involvement with Emerald Youth Foundation shows he has his priorities straight. What a great asset for kids in the community!
websiteworld_com writes:
It's not available on Kindle yet, just online at http://www.inkyjohnson.com
givehim6 writes:
Wish all Vols had your heart.
BigBadVol writes:
Much love for Inky. VFL!
crimsonviper writes:
Nice article,KNS.
IJ should be an inspiration to many,and most definately VFL.
Mobbdeep4life writes:
Inky was one of my favorite players. The way he stepped up after Jason Allen's injury was phenomenal. Since the injury Inky has become one of my favorite people forget favorite player.
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