Akbar Gbaja-Biamila
The University of Central Arkansas’ Reynolds Performance Hall welcomes distinguished speaker, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila on Tuesday, April 6th at 7:30 pm.
Akbar is the host of NBC’s four-time Emmy Award-nominated hit competition series “American Ninja Warrior.” He is also host of the Universal Kid’s spin off show, “American Ninja Warrior Jr.”, as well as NFL Networks’ highest rated show, “NFL Fantasy Live.”
The Los Angeles native grew up in the Crenshaw district with his mother and father, both of whom were born and raised in Nigeria, and his six siblings. His first name means “great” in Arabic, and his last name means “big man come save me.” Akbar played football for San Diego State all four years while receiving his degree in communications and new media studies. He then 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.