Category Archives: Tech of Sports

From the shoes we wear on our feet to the high definition televisions in our living room, wearable devices, the sports universe is a breeding ground for technology. Writer and Photographer Rick Limpert will examine this each week on The Tech of Sports – With guests which include athletes, inventors and journalists that cover the intersection of sports and technology.

Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot

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Talking to the President of one of the iconic retail brands in the world, this week.

Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot.

Big news, especially for Atlanta from The Athlete’s Foot.

The Athlete’s Foot is honored to announce the grand opening of its new corporate headquarters, flagship location and community center at 931 Monroe Drive, Suite 113E, Atlanta, GA 30308. Nestled in the heart of Midtown, this new establishment promises to be a cornerstone for retail excellence and community engagement.

Strategically located on the iconic Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park, the new location aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the neighborhood. The Athlete’s Foot plans to implement community enrichment, sponsorships, educational programming underscoring their commitment to supporting local communities and fostering meaningful connections.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new US headquarters, flagship store, and community center in the heart of Midtown Atlanta,” said Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot. “This location is the first of its kind on Atlanta’s iconic BeltLine and will serve as a cultural hub for community engagement and deeper connectivity. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience what The Athlete’s Foot has to offer, from the neighborhood, for the neighborhood.”

The Athlete’s Foot has proudly partnered with Black-owned businesses to develop the flagship location, enlisting T. Dallas Smith & Co., the largest black African American-owned commercial real estate firm in the country, to continue its standing collaboration with The Athlete’s Foot on finding locations for new stores focused on underserved black and minority communities. J.M. Lee Construction Co., founded by Morehouse graduate Justin Lee, served as the general contractor, while Atlanta artist Aysha Pennerman will be contributing vibrant murals celebrating local culture. These partnerships reflect The Athlete’s Foot’s commitment to diversity and community and supporting Black entrepreneurship in its growth strategy.

Warren Moon, NFL Hall of Famer, on His Fans and Collectibles

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Rick had the chance to catch up with former NFL great, Warren Moon at Fanatics Fest in New York.

He played professionally for 23 seasons, spending the majority of his career with the Houston Oilers of the and the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. Moon also played for the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He remains one of the greatest undrafted players in NFL history.

He had success during his six CFL seasons, five of which ended in Grey Cup victories, resulted in him being signed by the Oilers in 1984. During his 17 NFL seasons, Moon was named Offensive Player of the Year in 1990 after leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns. He led the NFL in passing yards twice, while also receiving nine Pro Bowl selections. Moon spent 10 seasons with the Oilers, whom he led to seven playoff appearances, and made an eighth postseason run with the Vikings before retiring in 2000.

Moon is also the only player inducted to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

He talks to Rick about the sports collecting business and how he is amazed by all of it.

Robert Klevens, Prestige Collectibles, Japanese Sports Cards

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The owner of Prestige Collectibles was at the National Sports Collectors Convention with an expansive booth full of Japanese sports cards. Klevens has been buying them for almost 35 years.

It’s a hobby he took up while living in Japan. He spent six years living there while running Tokyo’s largest card shop, The Ball Park. Now, he makes regular trips to the Far East from his Ft. Lauderdale, FL home to uncover cards and memorabilia.

It’s great to have the opportunity to talk with Robert.

It begs the question, are his customers here in the States or halfway around the world?

“I have some customers in Japan, but mainly Americans,” explained Kleven, while conducting business at his booth not far from the front entrance. “There is a lot of interest in Sadaharu Oh cards, the Japanese home run king, items from when Babe Ruth toured Japan and the current list of Japanese MLB players.”

Shohei Ohtani’s success in the States has been a boon for Klevens and his business, which features primarily cards from various sports that were released in Japan.

Klevens noted that Americans have long been fascinated with Japanese culture and Japanese sports fans love baseball and follow MLB players. It’s a crossover.

“A lot of Americans also visit Japan and attend games there,” said Klevens.

Rick and Robert talk about that and a lot more.

Satish Kumar, Orion Innovation, An Athlete’s Journey to a Professional Career

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According to Markets N Research, youth sports is an estimated $38 billion industry that is expected to grow to $69 billion in 2030.

Satish Kumar is the Professional Sports Industry Leader at Orion Innovation, a leading digital transformation and products development firm. He and his team work with global sports teams and leagues to help them oversee an athlete’s journey from inception to a professional career. Orion is the Digital Transformation Partner for Liverpool Football Club.

He joins Rick to discuss the growing youth sports industry and how technology is helping to track, organize, and manage the different global leagues and clubs for young participants.

Isaac Alpert, The Pennysleever for Sports Collectors

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The Pennysleever is a family business, founded by hobbyists, who believe that collectors would rather spend their money on their collection than their supplies. The motto says, we strive to offer top quality supplies at fair prices.

Rick talks with Isaac Alpert of The Pennysleever this week.

Whether you collect vintage or modern, rip wax or buy singles, we want to provide the products that keep your collection safe and looking great.

Facebook: ThePennysleever
Instagram: The_Pennysleever
X: ThePennysleever
Youtube: @ThePennysleever

It’s now more important than ever for collectors to protect their collection.

Team Pennysleever is getting out into the world more, setting up at card shows around New York and New England. It has been a real thrill meeting Sleeveheads (yes, I am going to try and make that a thing) face to face! We’ve had a lot of really interesting conversations with collectors, and heard about what supplies you are looking for. We are taking notes, and expect some exciting announcements in the not-too-distant future.

Rene Nezhoda, Storage Wars, National Sports Collectors Convention

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Rick talks with Rene Nezhoda on the floor of the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland.

Rene and Casey Nezhoda have been married for 16 years and are the owners of a 7,000 square foot shop called Bargain Hunters Thrift Store in San Diego, California.

One of the first things people notice about Rene is his accent, but the second is his buying prowess. With a big bankroll and an extensive knowledge of secondhand sales, Rene is a veteran buyer who doesn’t back down for anyone. Rene’s been buying and selling storage units since the age of 11 but when he’s not at the storage lockers, Rene loves to play poker and collect.

With hundreds of episodes of “Storage Wars” in the can, is Nezhoda an actor, reality show star or a TV villain?

“I’m a collector,” laughed Nezhoda before he took the stage at the Ebay booth to conduct what he now does most of his days, a card break. “I’ve been collecting for 30 years and I’m really getting out there now with getting on sites like Ebay.”

Rick and Rene talk about that and more.