Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player and NFL Network host and can be seen Monday-Friday on "Good Morning Football" and "GMFB: Overtime." Gbajabiamila also serves as host of "The Talk," CBS' Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show, as well as NBC's competition series "American Ninja Warrior," and the reality series "Fight to Survive" on The CW and the Roku Channel.
Gbajabiamila became a published author in 2019 with his critically acclaimed debut book, "Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams." He also executive produced the 2020 award-winning film, "Sylvie's Love." As a professional athlete, Gbajabiamila played five years in the NFL as a linebacker and defensive end with the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, and Miami Dolphins, before retiring in 2008.
A Los Angeles native, Gbajabiamila grew up in the Crenshaw district with his parents, both of whom were born and raised in Nigeria, and six siblings. He played football at San Diego State University and graduated with a degree in communications and new media studies. Later, he completed a certified entrepreneurship program at the Wharton School of Business in 2005.
Gbajabiamila currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, four children, and two dogs.
