The American Ninja Warrior show is one where we, as an audience, pretend we are capable of participating in some crazy obstacle courses. In reality, these athletes are some of the best in the world.
But are there any 49ers players who would be able to dominate on the show?
Maybe not, at least according to the show’s host and former NFL defensive end, Akbar Gbajabiamila.
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“They’re a bunch of great athletes on the 49ers, but the 49ers aren’t ninja warriors,” Akbar Gbajabiamila told NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco on the latest 49ers Talk.
Gbajabiamila said he’s a fan of running back Raheem Mostert -- so that’s a “maybe.” But no love for tight end George Kittle, despite Kittle's athleticism and 6-foot-4 frame.
This isn’t a bad thing, but it just shows how difficult the courses can be.
“We’ve had Sean Merriman, Jordan Babineaux, we’ve had Jon Ryan, a punter, you think, ‘Oh OK, maybe a punter could,’ so we’ve had so many different football players come out and none of them have been able to hit the buzzer,” Gbajabiamila said.
San Francisco 49ers
Gbajabiamila did say he was surprised back in Season 4 when former NFL defensive end Kamerion Wimbley was able to complete the course and hit the buzzer.
Gbajabiamila said there are only two guys in the entire NFL he believes could compete and finish: Wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Tyreek Hill.
“That’s it, that’s all I got,” he added.
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Gbajabiamila also said if the 49ers want to return to the Super Bowl, they’re going to have to “draft some ninja warriors.”
Perhaps that’s all it will take.