Gbajabiamila is Nigerian-American and grew up in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles with his mother and father, both of whom were born and raised in Nigeria, and his six siblings.

Before starting his professional career, Gbajabiamila played college football for the San Diego State Aztecs.

[3] He graduated with a degree in communication and new media studies, before completing a certified entrepreneurship program at the Wharton School of Business in 2005.

In 2004, Gbaja-Biamila split time between defensive end and linebacker, occasionally filling in for players such as Travian Smith and Tyler Brayton.

[6] That sack came against Brad Johnson and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while he recorded a season-high three tackles in games against the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars.

The move reunited him with new Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron, who was the offensive coordinator in San Diego the season before when Gbaja-Biamila was a member of the Chargers.

[8] With his playing career over, Akbar turned his focus to the broadcast booth in addition to his philanthropic work, serving as an analyst for the Mtn.

He also founded Rush The Passer, a year-round athletic, academic, and life skills program for youth in Southern California.

In 2010 he was approached by reality producer Mark Burnett to be part of a three-man athlete team for his latest project on ABC, Expedition Impossible.

In 2013, he became a color commentator alongside Matt Iseman for American Ninja Warrior being broadcast on G4, Esquire Network, and NBC.

[10] On May 10, 2018, Gbaja-Biamila threw out the first pitch at Citizens Bank Park before a game between the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies which was widely seen as being among the worst.

[15] While a member of the Chargers in 2006, Akbar routinely drove back and forth from San Diego to Los Angeles to spend time with his father.

Gbaja-Biamila currently serves as a board member for the Asomugha Foundation, an organization aimed at creating better educational opportunities for impoverished communities.