When VFL Inky Johnson is speaking, you should listen.
A former cornerback at Tennessee in the mid-2000s, Johnson was a two-time captain and projected first-round draft pick in the 2007 NFL Draft until a life-threatening injury paralyzed his arm and took his playing career away.
But where Johnson’s on-field career was gone, a new one was just beginning. Since his injury, Johnson has embarked on a new trail as a motivational speaker for companies, organizations, and teams alike, including Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, the New England Patriots, the Atlanta Braves, and countless more.
Johnson makes yearly trips back to Rocky Top, a place he still calls home, to speak with the Vols’ football team. The former Vol was in Knoxville on Aug. 12 as the team was going through fall camp. While no video was posted from Johnson’s visit, pictures showed him speaking with and hanging out with the team.
Johnson’s message was posted on X on Wednesday and struck a cord. Without giving too much away, Johnson read off a powerful message from former Tennessee defensive back legend Eric Berry.
Goals ~ EB 14 Eric Berry pic.twitter.com/yoWyFVKzrm
— Inky Johnson (@inkyjohnson) September 11, 2024
More from RTI: ESPN GameDay Personality Rece Davis Praises Key Aspect of Vols’ Defense
Eric Berry’s Note (Transcript)
“A lot of players say they want to be great but they don’t put in the work to reach that level. This season I want to make a statement. Not only for my position but for all football players everywhere. I want to leave behind a legacy. Many people think of great players. When they think of a great player, I want my name to immediately come to mind. I want to show the rest of the defensive backs on my team what it takes to be a great defensive back and help U.T. become DBU (defensive back university). I want to show these guys the mindset, the work ethic, what it takes to achieve greatness and start a trickle-down effect that will first start with our unit, then to our whole defense, then to our team and the next thing you know the whole nation will try to play like us. It’s not an easy task, but who said it would be?
Goals:
- Consensus All-American
- All-SEC
- Defensive Player of the Year
- 10 Interceptions
- Thorpe Award (Top DB in CFB)
- SEC Academic Honor Roll
How I Will Reach These Goals:
- Great preparation
- No plays off
- Play with passion
Eric Berry, 14 – I didn’t win the Thorpe Award last year so, obviously, I wasn’t the best defensive back in the country. I’ve got to prove them wrong and leave no doubt.”
Feels good to be home @Vol_Football pic.twitter.com/uIPm5N99rE
— Inky Johnson (@inkyjohnson) August 13, 2024
Always grateful for VFL legend @inkyjohnson to come back and share inspirational words of wisdom to our team! pic.twitter.com/7elcme8NQr
— Josh Heupel (@coachjoshheupel) August 13, 2024
Great to have our very own @inkyjohnson back on Rocky Top to share an awesome message with our guys!#VFL | #GBO 🍊 pic.twitter.com/QZXFpqrDaZ
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 13, 2024
No. 7 Tennessee hosts Kent State at 7:45 p.m. ET on Saturday night in Neyland Stadium.
VFL Eric Berry celebrates the Vols’ win over Texas A&M with the players and the Tennessee student section // @rockytopinsider pic.twitter.com/sFK2GeVVki
— Ric Butler (@Ric_Butler) October 14, 2023
