Najee Richardson

Najee Jamal Richardson was born and raised in an impoverished section of North Philadelphia. Small, timid, and severely asthmatic, Najee was an easy target for bullies. It was because of this that he spent much of his elementary school years finding quick escape routes to avoid the unpleasant interactions on his walk home from school. Najee gives much of his early athleticism credit to running away from bullies as a child.

As Najee entered his preteen years, many of his peers turned to the temptations of the neighborhood, gang association, drugs, and violence. Gymnastics became an alternatively positive outlet for Richardson. Over the years Najee showed great promise in the sport, winning numerous, state and regional titles on the Floor and Vault apparatus, along with competing in the Junior Olympic National Championships 4 years in a row. One of the most challenging years in his gymnastics career came during his senior year of high school. Going through a rough period financially, the Richardson home could not afford the monthly tuition and consequently, Najee would not be allowed to train for a period of time during the competitive season. But in true Ninja style, Najee did not allow this setback to deter him from his goals.

Fast forward a few years, “The Flying Phoenix” is no longer small and timid. He has competed in four straight seasons of American Ninja Warrior as well as Ninja vs Ninja, USA vs The World, and Team Ninja. Runner-up two years in a row, Richardson is coming back for a fifth season with a vengeance. He was part of the Team USA that came in second behind Europe on USA vs The World, which aired in 2018. A proud Philadelphian, Richardson was able to compete in his hometown for the city qualifiers for Season 10. Former elite gymnast and mixed martial artist, Richardson knows a thing or two about dedication to his craft.

When he’s not training for Ninja Warrior, Richardson puts his efforts into his other passions of acting, modeling, and philanthropy. Landing small roles in ABC’s How to Get Away with Murder, and The Code on CBS. In 2018 Najee also garnered the attention of The American Lung Association for his performance on American Ninja Warrior while also suffering from Asthma, and was offered the position as the 2019 National Brand Ambassador for their annual Fight for Air Climbs around the country, which he accepted. He also lends a hand to Red Nose Day, which is an organization that works to end child poverty.