From NFL to TV Stardom: Akbar Gbajabiamila on Identity, Addiction & Resilience

On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with former NFL player turned Emmy-nominated television host Akbar Gbajabiamila for an honest, deeply personal conversation about identity, resilience, and reinvention after professional sports. Best known as the longtime host of American Ninja Warrior and former co-host of CBS’ The Talk, Akbar opens up about the moments that shaped his life on and off the field.

Akbar reflects on traveling to Nigeria and witnessing his father reunite with his mother after 32 years apart, an experience that allowed him to see his father as a child for the first time. He shares how watching his Nigerian immigrant parents build businesses from nothing instilled discipline, grit, and resilience at an early age. The conversation moves into Akbar’s journey to the NFL, the pressure of becoming a professional athlete, and the identity crisis that followed when his football career ended.

He speaks candidly about financial struggles after leaving the NFL, including working two years for free, earning under $30,000 a year, moving back into his childhood home with his wife and kids, and watching his savings dwindle to his last $40,000. Akbar explains how betting on himself eventually led to a breakthrough in broadcasting, landing roles at the NFL Network and American Ninja Warrior.

The episode also dives into injuries, brain health, and the hidden dangers of painkillers, as Akbar shares his experience unknowingly developing a Vicodin dependency after football. He discusses overcoming that habit, confronting sugar addiction, and rethinking how everyday substances impact mental and physical health. Akbar also shares the inspiration behind launching his new podcast One54 Africa, dedicated to telling stories from across the African diaspora, and reflects on the pride and purpose behind hitting the American Ninja Warrior buzzer himself.