Peter Najarian


Peter Michael Najarian is an options trader, television personality, market analyst, and co-founder of optionMONSTER, a provider of market intelligence, commentary, and trading strategies. Along with his brother, Jon Najarian, he founded an online brokerage called tradeMONSTER in October 2008, during the worst financial turmoil in three-quarters of a century. tradeMONSTER sends trading information through the Web without requiring clients to download trading software. It is in direct competition with brokerage firms. He is a contributor on CNBC's show Fast Money alongside Guy Adami, Steve Grasso, Karen Finerman, and Tim Seymour.

Biography

Najarian grew up in Minnesota, the son of transplant surgeon John Najarian.

Football career

Najarian played college football with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers as a linebacker. He was named to the All-Big Ten second team for three years, from 1983 to 1985, and was awarded the school's Carl Eller award for outstanding defensive player for three consecutive years, from 1983 to 1985. He also served as the team's captain in 1985. After earning a degree from the University of Minnesota, he became a professional football player with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings.

Post-playing career

He became an options trader in 1992 with the encouragement of his brother Jon Najarian, who worked for Mercury Trading at the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Peter Najarian rose to become president of Mercury, a position he held from 2000 to 2004, and oversaw the company's sale to Citadel LLC.
He currently appears on the CNBC financial investing show Fast Money.
Beginning with the 2013 season he became a commentator for ESPN's college football coverage.