ATHENS – Daniel Inman was many things to many people. He blocked for Georgia quarterbacks David Greene, D.J. Shockley, and Matthew Stafford. He coached alongside David Perno and Damien Gary. He spent time helping raise two young boys into men. Tragically, Inman’s life was cut short when he passed away on Monday after a 10-day hospital stay due to a heart condition. He was 41.
“It’s a heartbreaking tragedy, definitely something we didn’t see coming,” said Damien Gary, who played with Inman at Georgia and later coached with him at Clarke Central High School. “But in the brief time Dan was with us, he made a huge impact on everyone he met. It felt like he’d been around forever, which really speaks to who he was.”
A giant in stature, but a soft-hearted man, this is the common sentiment about Inman. He arrived at Georgia from Hope Mills, North Carolina, standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 328 pounds. He was a key player on the Bulldogs’ offensive line from 2003-06.
“I could talk about Dan all day,” said Russ Tanner, who played center while Inman was offensive tackle. “He was as unique as they come, a country boy who loved Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings. He had a huge heart, both literally and figuratively. He was one of the largest humans you’d ever meet, but he had a tender nature and cared deeply for the people he loved.”
Gary added, “He was a gentle giant. He had a rottweiler, big and stubborn, but all it wanted was to sit in someone’s lap. That’s exactly how Dan was.”
Inman is survived by his wife Erin and two children, Cash, 10, and Walker, 8. The family plans a private service in North Carolina this week, with a celebration of life event set for Jan. 19 in Athens.
While a career in professional football didn’t materialize for Inman, he turned to teaching and coaching. He most recently worked with coach David Perno at Clarke Central in 2022-23.
“He did a fantastic job coaching,” said Clarke Central Athletic Director Jon Ward. “The kids really enjoyed having him around, and he was a great coach.”
Inman made significant contributions on the field for the Bulldogs. He was a rare four-year starter as an offensive lineman, earning All-SEC honors twice. Georgia won the 2005 SEC title and reached another with Inman playing tackle.
Gary and Tanner, along with many former teammates, gathered at Inman’s home this week to console the family and reminisce.
“In practice, him and (David) Pollack would go at it every day,” Tanner recalled. “But after practice, he’d say, ‘Bo’ – he called everyone ‘Bo’ – ‘Bo, why you gotta fight with me every day; you know I love you.’ He was in David’s wedding, mine, and many others. We’ll miss him deeply.”
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