Former NFL star Akbar Gbajabiamila didn't have much growing up in South Central Los Angeles, so when he earned his first football contract, he needed some advice. "I still remember my first year — $225,000 in 2003," he told CNBC. "I was like, 'Oh my goodness, this is a lot of money, what am I going to do?'" He was told that the best way to safeguard his future was to invest his money instead of using it to support a flashy lifestyle, and Gbajabiamila listened. He said: "I'm glad I took the time to be patient and invest in this and now look, I'm reaping the benefits." He was wise to invest his money, because his football career came to an end sooner than he'd anticipated.

The former Raiders, Chargers, and Dolphins man was financially sound when he hung up his cleats for the final time, but he's since added to his fortune with his TV work: he's an NFL Network analyst, a commentator on "American Ninja Warrior" (and the spinoff "American Ninja Warrior Junior"), and, of course, a co-host on "The Talk." Gbajabiamila joined the panel in September 2021 ahead of Season 12, having won everyone over during his previous visits. "His engaging personality, openness, and quick wit really impressed us when he appeared as a guest co-host last season," executive producer and showrunner Heather Gray told Deadline.

At the time of this writing, Gbajabiamila has a net worth of $7 million.

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