It doesn’t take a special person to be a hero, but special characteristics within that person to reflect the true American Ninja Warrior and heroic spirit.

Former NFL defensive end and “American Ninja Warrior” co-host Akbar Gbaja-Biamila was hailed a hero and received a commendation from the Los Angeles City Council for coming to the aid of a motorcycle officer who was struck by a hit-and-run driver in his South Los Angeles neighbourhood.

Last year, the popular TV host was quick to react when he saw an SUV slam into and throw Los Angles police Officer Henry Colebrooke off his motorcycle at an intersection.The hit-and-run driver took off, leaving Colebrooke seriously injured.

The good samaritan in Gbaja-Biamila stopped to check on Colebrooke, carrying him out of the street, out of the way traffic before pursuing the hit-and-run driver and eventually managing to take pictures that helped authorities apprehend and successfully prosecute the perpetrator.

Officer Colebrooke, who has since recovered from the collision, was joined by his family as he publicly thanked Gbaja-Biamila for his help and the information he was able to obtain about the hit-and-run driver.

“I was very appreciative of what he did because if it wasn’t for him I had nothing,” Colebrooke said.

“All I could see was that it was a Pontiac with no license plate, and the city of Los Angeles would have never been able to hold accountable the person who did this,” continued Colebrooke.

“I don’t feel like I’m a hero.Ultimately they (Police Officers) are the heroes. They’re the ones that sacrifice their lives for the community.” said Gbajabiamila.

Read more at MYNewsLA.com