'Ninja Warrior' Star -- Joey Porter Got Me Cut From NFL Team

"American Ninja Warrior" star Akbar Gbaja-Biamila may have Joey Porter to thank for his budding TV career -- 'cause AGB says it's because of Porter his NFL career was cut short!!!

It's a pretty funny story ... Akbar was a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins in 2007 -- when he claims he was supposed to sub in for Porter for a specific 3rd down defensive package.

Problem is ... Porter REFUSED to the leave the field -- and the ref threw a flag for too many guys on defense. But because JP was such a high-profile, high paid guy at the time ... Akbar was the one who paid the price.

You gotta watch the clip ... it's pretty funny the way Akbar tells the story.