Gbajabiamila is the co-host of NBC's two-time Emmy nominated, heart-racing obstacle course competition series, American Ninja Warrior, along with USA Network’s spin off show, ANW: Ninja vs Ninja as well as the NFL Networks' highest rated and fastest growing show NFL Fantasy Live. 

The Southern California native 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. Through extreme hard work and perseverance, Akbar made his way onto the main stage. The American Ninja Warrior host, known for his “Akbarisms” was even parodied on Saturday Night Live by none other than Drake. The multi-hyphenate made his feature acting debut in the 2015 short film The Sac Fly, and previously co-starred in a Funny or Die skit Internet Cops with Nnamdi Asomugha. He was also a fan-favorite on the 2009 ABC adventure series Expedition Impossible where he was hand- selected by producer Mark Burnett to compete in challenges across the globe. More recently, Akbar made his debut on NBC’s the Night Shift as well as hosted NBC’s 2017 Red Nose Day and the Macy’s Day July 4th Spectacular. This past winter, Akbar was asked to co-host Megyn Kelly TODAY for two weeks during the 2018 Winter Olympics, bringing millions of morning viewers the top Olympic highlights.

 Akbar has a long history of volunteering and social consciousness. Gbajabiamila currently serves as a board member for the Asomugha Foundation, an organization aimed at creating better educational opportunities for impoverished communities. Akbar also serves on the Board of The Michael J Fox Foundation, which raises millions of dollars for Parkinson’s research. The cause, near and dear to Akbar’s heart, is driven by the fact his own father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the late 1990s.

 Akbar currently resides in Redondo Beach with this beautiful wife Chrystal and their four children.