Brendon Ayanbadejo

Brendon Ayanbadejo (BA) is a Super Bowl champion, three-time Pro Bowler, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. A 10-year NFL veteran, Brendon built a reputation not only as an elite athlete, but as a fearless leader willing to use his platform for meaningful social change. In 2009, he became the first professional athlete to publicly support same-sex marriage—helping pave the way for broader acceptance across the sports world and beyond.

Following his NFL career, Brendon seamlessly transitioned into business and entrepreneurship, becoming a leading area developer for Orangetheory Fitness across Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, and Melbourne, Australia. Through West Coast Fitness (WCF), he helped scale a portfolio of 50+ studios and supported more than 20 franchise partners, establishing himself as a high-impact operator and leader in the fitness industry.

The year 2013 marked a defining chapter in Brendon’s journey: he won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, completed executive business studies at George Washington University, and retired from professional football—immediately stepping into entrepreneurship with a multi-unit development deal. Armed with what he calls a “PhD in teamwork,” Brendon has consistently translated the discipline, leadership, and resilience of elite sports into business success.

Today, Brendon continues to make an impact through philanthropy, advocacy, and thought leadership—championing LGBTQ+ equality, empowering youth, and promoting health and wellness in communities around the world.

While his accolades include a Super Bowl title, three Pro Bowl selections, and multiple business and advocacy honors, Brendon considers his greatest achievement to be his role as a father. He is a proud dad of three (and one loyal dog), grounded in family, purpose, and service.