Akbar Oluwakemi-Idowu Gbajabiamila is a Nigerian-American television host, sports analyst, and former NFL linebacker. He was a star basketball player in high school before switching to play football in his final year. He received multiple football scholarship offers and chose to attend San Diego State University, where he graduated with a degree in communication and new media studies. 

After college, Gbajabiamila pursued a career in the NFL, signing with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent. He later featured for other teams, including the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins. While playing in the NFL, he explored a career in broadcasting by attending the NFL Broadcast Bootcamp and volunteering at KSWB, the NBC affiliate in San Diego, where he became the co-host of Football Night in San Diego. 

After retiring from the NFL, he transitioned to a career in the media, starting as a sports analyst for Mtn. Network, CBS Sports Network, and later, the NFL Network. In 2013, he joined American Ninja Warrior as a color commentator alongside Matt Iseman, with the duo also co-hosting other spin-off shows in the franchise. Gbajabiamila has also served as a host on other programs, including The Talk and the 3rd- and 4th-hour segments on NBC’s Today.  

Akbar Gbajabiamila is married to Chrystal Gbajabiamila, with whom he has four children—Elijah, Saheedat, and twins Nasir and Naomi. He is heavily involved in philanthropy and serves on the board of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which raises funds for Parkinson’s research, and on the board of the Asomugha Foundation, which aims to provide better educational opportunities for impoverished communities.