DJ Dozier and Dr. Michael Weatherly from Sports Innovation X joined Karisa Maxwell and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at the Super Bowl. DJ and Michael shared their insight into how Sports Innovation X bridges the gap between professional teams, athletes, universities, and small businesses with cutting-edge technology. They discussed the impact of innovations in human performance, data analytics, and recovery tools on athlete health and career transitions.
D.J. Dozier is a former professional football player known for his standout career as a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Penn State University, where he played a key role in helping the Nittany Lions secure a national championship in 1982. Dozier earned All-Big Ten honors during his college career, which led to his successful entry into the NFL. He played for the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets, making significant contributions to both teams as a reliable and powerful running back.
After retiring from professional football, Dozier shifted his focus to entrepreneurship and co-founded Sports Innovation X, a company designed to connect athletes, small businesses, and emerging technologies. His expertise in both sports and business allows him to help integrate innovative technologies that improve athletic performance, recovery, and injury prevention. Through this venture, Dozier is making a lasting impact on the future of sports by enabling athletes and organizations to access cutting-edge solutions to enhance their careers.
In addition to his work in sports technology, Dozier is committed to helping athletes transition into life after sports. He provides mentorship and guidance to young athletes, offering advice on career development both on and off the field. His leadership at Sports Innovation X continues to influence the sports industry, offering athletes valuable tools and opportunities to improve their careers and explore new business ventures.
Dr. Michael Weatherly is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in technology innovation and business development. As the founder and CEO of Sports Innovation X, he works at the intersection of technology and sports, helping small businesses bring innovative solutions to pro teams, athletes, and universities. His expertise lies in bridging the gap between high-level sports organizations and emerging technologies, particularly in the fields of human performance, injury prevention, and data analytics.
Throughout his career, Dr. Weatherly has utilized his background in technology integration to make a significant impact in the sports industry. His work focuses on optimizing athlete performance, enhancing recovery methods, and providing teams with the latest advancements to keep them at the forefront of competition. Through Sports Innovation X, he has built a platform for collaboration, where athletes and small businesses can find the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
Dr. Weatherly’s passion for innovation and improving athlete outcomes extends beyond the corporate world. With a deep understanding of the challenges athletes face, he is dedicated to supporting the next generation of sports professionals by providing them with cutting-edge technologies. His work continues to reshape how athletes approach training, recovery, and performance, offering them valuable tools to enhance their careers and reach new heights.
Sports Innovation X
Sports Innovation X is a company dedicated to bridging the gap between professional sports teams, athletes, and innovative small businesses. The organization acts as a connector, facilitating collaborations between athletes and emerging technologies. By doing so, they help incorporate advanced tools, products, and services to enhance athletic performance, recovery, and overall wellness. Their focus is on sectors such as human performance optimization, data analytics, and green energy solutions for sports facilities.
The company specializes in working with small businesses that have groundbreaking products and services in the tech and sports industries. They provide a platform where these businesses can collaborate with professional teams, universities, and athletes, allowing for the integration of cutting-edge solutions that elevate the sports experience. By working as an intermediary, Sports Innovation X helps unlock the potential of innovative technologies in ways that directly benefit both athletes and the broader sports industry.
With a team of experienced professionals, including former athletes, Sports Innovation X understands the unique needs and challenges athletes face. The company is committed to not only advancing the sports industry but also empowering athletes to reach new levels of achievement. Their mission is to create lasting partnerships that improve athletic performance and prepare athletes for success both on and off the field, utilizing the latest advancements in technology.
WATCH INTERVIEW
0:28 – 0:48 – Sports Innovation X is a small business that acts as a bridge between professional teams, athletes, colleges, universities, and small businesses with innovative technology. Their focus includes human performance optimization, data analytics, and green energy solutions.
0:50 – 1:06 – Dr. Michael Weatherly founded the company after working in government tech integration. He saw an opportunity to apply the same concept to sports, especially as the industry became more accepting of technology.
1:30 – 2:28 – DJ Dozier and Michael Weatherly, both former athletes, believe in the mission because they understand how these advancements could have helped during their playing careers. They want to support athletes and organizations in reaching new performance levels.
2:42 – 3:26 – Both guests emphasize the importance of data analytics, wearable technology, and recovery tools that could have improved performance and prevented injuries when they were athletes.
3:29 – 4:11 – DJ Dozier shares how advanced recovery technology could have helped him avoid missing six games in college due to injury. He highlights the importance of making these tools accessible to today’s athletes.
4:16 – 5:22 – The company also helps athletes who won’t go pro transition into business by giving them exposure to the innovation and entrepreneurial side of sports. Many former athletes succeed in business because of their discipline and competitive nature.
5:33 – 6:13 – Weatherly emphasizes his passion for hiring veterans and former athletes due to their discipline and strong work ethic. He sees business development as a new “playing field” for himself and others with similar backgrounds.
6:19 – 7:09 – Concussions in the NFL dropped by 17% this past season, largely due to advancements in player safety technology. Dozier sees this as not just a benefit to the game but to the long-term health of players after retirement.
7:20 – 8:42 – As a fellow Penn State running back, Dozier praises Barkley’s work ethic and is thrilled to see him reach the Super Bowl in his first season with the Eagles. He acknowledges that many players are deserving but credits Barkley for his hard work.
8:46 – 9:13 – The company welcomes small businesses with innovative sports technology, as well as professional teams and athletes looking for cutting-edge solutions. Interested parties can visit their website to learn more and get connected.
