George Foreman’s life was a saga of reinvention, from an Olympic gold medalist and world champion boxer to a beloved television pitchman and multimillionaire entrepreneur. When he passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76, his net worth stood at an estimated $300 million. But that staggering fortune wasn’t built in the ring—at least, not entirely. It was built on a simple, sloped kitchen appliance that turned “Big George” into “The Cooking Man.”
Foreman, born George Edward Foreman on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, first made his name by pummeling his way through the heavyweight boxing ranks. His first major triumph came in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he captured a gold medal in the heavyweight division, an achievement he later called the proudest moment of his career.
Just four years later, on January 22, 1973, in Kingston, Jamaica, he famously dismantled Joe Frazier, knocking him down six times in two rounds to become the heavyweight champion of the world. But his reign at the top didn’t last long. In October 1974, under the sweltering lights of Kinshasa, Zaire, Muhammad Ali introduced the world to his legendary “rope-a-dope” strategy, tiring Foreman out before delivering an eighth-round knockout in the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle.”
Inside George Foreman’s $300 Million Net Worth in 2025: How Much Did Grill Contribute?
Following his first retirement in 1977, Foreman transitioned from boxer to preacher. However, the financial realities of his post-boxing life weren’t kind. By 1987, he was on the verge of bankruptcy, forcing him to lace up his gloves once again. Against all odds, Foreman clawed his way back to the top, culminating in a stunning 1994 victory over Michael Moorer. At 45, Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history, reclaiming the title he had lost two decades earlier.
Despite earning millions during his boxing career, Foreman’s wealth didn’t truly explode until he entered the world of business. In 1994, the same year he won his second heavyweight title, he partnered with Salton, Inc. to market a revolutionary indoor grill. The George Foreman Grill, famously advertised as a “Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine,” took American households by storm. Foreman’s natural charm and affable demeanor made him the perfect salesman. His face was on every box, his voice in every commercial, and his simple catchphrase—“It’s so good, I put my name on it”—became synonymous with the product.
At its peak, Foreman was earning $4.5 million a month in royalties from grill sales. By 1999, Salton recognized the sheer power of the Foreman brand and decided to buy him out completely, paying a jaw-dropping $137.5 million in cash and stock for the exclusive rights to his name. Over the years, the grill sold more than 100 million units worldwide, cementing Foreman’s status as one of the most successful athlete-turned-entrepreneurs of all time. In total, it is estimated that he earned over $200 million from the grill alone—far surpassing anything he made inside the boxing ring.
Foreman’s financial success allowed him to live lavishly while still maintaining his reputation as a family man and philanthropist. He married five times, but it was his final wife, Mary Joan Martelly, whom he remained with from 1985 until his passing. Together, they raised 12 children, including five sons—all named George Edward Foreman. He insisted they share the same name to create a sense of unity among them, a decision that left many amused but also underlined his devotion to family.
His wealth also fueled his love for cars, with Foreman amassing an impressive collection of classic and exotic vehicles. In late 2023, he auctioned off more than 50 prized cars through Hagerty Marketplace, including a 2005 Ford GT, a 1987 Ferrari Testarossa, and a 1959 Chevrolet Impala. The sale, which concluded in December 2023, was a testament to Foreman’s lifelong passion for automobiles.
At the time of his passing, Foreman resided in Huffman, Texas, on a sprawling 45-acre estate complete with basketball and tennis courts, an 11,000-square-foot garage, and enough space to house his extensive car collection. He also maintained a ranch in his hometown of Marshall, where he raised Black Angus cattle for his mail-order meat company.
Despite his immense wealth, Foreman remained humble, often reflecting on his journey from a troubled youth in Houston to a global icon. “Money has to be spent,” he once said. “It is not made to be saved.” His fortune, built on grit, reinvention, and an uncanny ability to connect with people, ensured that his legacy extended far beyond the boxing ring. When he passed away in 2025, he left behind not just a financial empire but an indelible mark on sports, business, and popular culture.
