Raw Leiba, born in Newark, New Jersey, is the son of a Brazilian mother and an African American/Native American father. His father, Robert, was a distinguished US Army veteran who served with the legendary Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, and his uncle is Roosevelt Brown, a Hall of Famer with the New York Giants. After completing high school in New Jersey, Leiba relocated to Tempe, Arizona, where his remarkable athletic talents quickly caught the eye of Arizona State University’s basketball assistant coaches and Head Football Coach John Cooper. Known for his blistering 4.3-second 40-yard dash and an impressive 44-inch vertical leap, he secured a scholarship with the condition that he could participate in both football and basketball.
Upon graduation, Leiba played professional basketball with FC Barcelona in Spain for a full season. However, after being waived in his second year, he accepted an invitation to the NFL’s San Diego Chargers mini-camp, where his speed and agility impressed the coaching staff. Although he made the practice squad, he ultimately chose to pursue acting, informing head coach Bobby Ross of his decision.
Leiba gained widespread recognition after winning TLC's reality series "Help Wanted," a spin-off of ABC's "The Next Action Hero," which showcased his unique blend of athleticism and acting talent. Since then, he has made significant strides in the film industry and has established himself as one of the top sports models globally.
