Former Vol brings message of faith and family to Dalton

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Former University of Tennessee player Inky Johnson signs a Volunteer hat for Claudia Valtierra-Gongora Saturday at the trade center where Johnson spoke at Ultimate Tailgate IV, a fundraiser for Family Frameworks. Matt Hamilton/The Daily Citizen
Inky Johnson introduces his wife Allison at the trade center Saturday. Matt Hamilton/The Daily Citizen

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August 19, 2012

Former Vol brings message of faith and family to Dalton

Charles Oliver charlesoliver@daltoncitizen.com The Dalton Daily Citizen Sun Aug 19, 2012, 09:06 AM EDT

Inquoris “Inky” Johnson had it all. A star defensive back at the University of Tennessee, Johnson had many football fans talking of his future in the National Football League.

But in 2006, during his junior year, a tackle against an Air Force Academy player left Johnson lying on the field. At first, it seemed like a routine football injury. It wasn’t.

The impact had severed an artery and damaged nerves in his right arm. He almost bled to death before surgeons were able to repair the artery. But surgery couldn’t fix all of the nerve damage. He lost most of the use of his right hand and arm. His football career was over.

“The first three years (after the injury) were the tough ones, but the last three have been very rewarding. I’ve learned a lot,” Johnson said Saturday night. “The injury has instilled a lot of good things in my spirit. It made me appreciate things much better.”

Johnson, who now works with underprivileged children, came to Dalton to speak at the Ultimate Tailgate IV, a fundraiser for Family Frameworks at the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center.

The group’s mission is to raise awareness of the importance of marriage in Northwest Georgia. It provides classes for couples who are dating or engaged or married to help them build stronger relationships.

Kathy Schleier, Family Frameworks executive director, said the organization always uses a football theme for its major fundraiser because it helps attract men.

Johnson credits his family, especially his grandmother, with helping him escape a tough neighborhood in Atlanta and for helping him recover after his injury.

“Family is very instrumental in people’s lives, no matter what walk you take, no matter what journey you make. I’ve accomplished a lot in my life, and I’ve gone through a lot. I couldn’t have done any of that without my family,” he said.

Johnson said it’s often easy for people to forget just how important family is.

“You get to chasing your goals and your ambitions and your aspirations. Sometimes you tend to put family in the background,” he said. “But you have to remember the reason we want to achieve these dreams in the first place is the position your family has put you in. It’s very important not to forget where you come from.”

Johnson has a new book out, co-authored with Jeff Hagood, called “Inky: An Amazing Story of Faith and Perseverance.”

“The No. 1 reason I wrote the book was to use it as a tool for God, to motivate and encourage people,” he said. “People go through difficult things every day. I just wanted to let them know God will never leave you. He has a plan for you no matter what you might be going through.”

Johnson said that faith in God is a key to building strong families.

“It’s like the old saying goes. A family that prays together stays together,” he said. “Growing up, we went through some rough times. But I always remember my grandmother praying.”

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Former Vol brings message of faith and family to Dalton

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