# Akbar Gbaja-Biamila
---
Who / What
Akbar Oluwakemi-Idowu Gbajabiamila (often referred to as **Gbaja-Biamila**) is a Nigerian-American former professional football player and current media personality. He transitioned from an NFL career to becoming a commentator, analyst, and co-host for sports and talk shows.
---
Background & History
Born on May 6, 1979, in Los Angeles, California, Gbajabiamila grew up in the Crenshaw district with his Nigerian-American parents and six siblings. He played college football at the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned All-American honors before entering the NFL as a defensive end for teams like the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks.
After retiring from playing, Gbajabiamila became a commentator, first on ESPN’s *NFL Countdown* and later with NFL Network. He gained broader recognition as a co-host of *Good Morning Football*, a flagship morning show covering NFL news, and its syndicated spinoffs. In 2021, he joined *The Talk* on CBS before leaving in 2024.
---
Why Notable
Gbajabiamila’s prominence stems from his dual roles as a former NFL player and media personality. His commentary expertise has made him a trusted voice for sports analysis, particularly on NFL Network, while his appearances on talk shows have expanded his influence beyond football into broader cultural discussions. His background—being Nigerian-American and representing the Black community in sports—has also contributed to his relevance in diverse conversations.
---
In the News
As of recent years, Gbajabiamila remains a key figure in NFL coverage, continuing to host *Good Morning Football* and analyze games for NFL Network. His work has kept him at the forefront of media discussions around football culture, diversity in sports commentary, and his transition from player to analyst. While he stepped down from *The Talk*, his presence in sports journalism persists as a notable voice in American media.
---
Key Facts
---
