George Foreman (1949–2025) – heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, ordained minister, and grill-selling mogul – passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76, surrounded by family at his Houston home. His death marks the end of an extraordinary American journey that saw a troubled teen rise to global fame, fall, reinvent himself, and come back stronger than ever – not just in boxing, but in life.
Born January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, and raised in Houston’s rough Fifth Ward, Foreman’s early life was marred by poverty, street fights, and petty crime. But a turning point came at age 16 when he joined the Job Corps, a federal program aimed at helping at-risk youth. There, in California, he discovered boxing — and his destiny.
In 1968, he represented the United States at the Mexico City Olympics, where he powered his way to heavyweight gold. Waving a small American flag after his win, Foreman became a national hero and the pride of a troubled neighborhood.
Foreman turned pro in 1969 and was a wrecking machine. By 1973, with a 37-0 record, he crushed Joe Frazier in just two rounds to become undisputed heavyweight champion. His raw power and no-nonsense demeanor made him feared — and unbeaten — until he met Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974.
Ali’s rope-a-dope strategy exhausted Foreman, who suffered the first loss of his career in a stunning upset. Foreman later called it “the first time I gave everything and it wasn’t enough.”
After a few more fights, he retired in 1977 following a spiritual awakening after a loss to Jimmy Young. In that locker room, Foreman said, he had a near-death experience that brought him to God.
Foreman’s second act was spiritual. He became an ordained minister, opened the George Foreman Youth Center in Houston, and focused on giving back. He married Mary Joan Martelly in 1985, and together they raised 12 children, including five sons all named George — a quirky nod to legacy and love.
He often preached, “Don’t be afraid of getting knocked down — just get up.”
In 1987, overweight and in his late 30s, Foreman shocked the world by announcing a comeback — not just to box again, but to fund his youth center. The media laughed. Foreman kept punching.
By 1994, at age 45, he challenged Michael Moorer for the heavyweight crown. In round 10, he landed a crushing right hand that dropped the champ cold. Foreman was once again world champion, becoming the oldest heavyweight titleholder in history.
His comeback wasn't just about wins — it was about transformation. Gone was the angry young man. In his place: a smiling, self-deprecating teddy bear in red trunks who wore his faith on his sleeve.
In 1994, Foreman also lent his name to a kitchen product: the George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine. It became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 100 million units. Foreman reportedly earned $137 million from the brand deal — more than his entire boxing career.
He became an ad icon, known for his warm smile and tagline enthusiasm. “I got rich selling grills, not taking punches,” he often joked.
Foreman’s charm led him to TV stardom. He starred in a short-lived sitcom ("George") and reality show ("Family Foreman"), and was a beloved commentator for HBO Boxing. He even appeared in the travel series "Better Late Than Never" with William Shatner and Henry Winkler — showcasing his humor and humility to a new generation.
In 2023, Sony Pictures released "Big George Foreman," a biopic dramatizing his incredible life. Fittingly, he attended the premiere with fans cheering for a legend.
Foreman died peacefully on March 21, 2025, in Houston. No cause of death was immediately announced. He had been in declining health, but remained active and beloved until his final days.
His family said in a statement:
“Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George — a husband, father, grandfather, and champion of the people.”
Tributes came pouring in:
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Mike Tyson: “A man of God. A warrior in the ring. A gentle giant outside of it.”
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Lennox Lewis: “A fighter with faith. A true legend.”
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Magic Johnson: “More than a boxer. George was a symbol of hope.”
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Mayor of Houston: “He never forgot where he came from. Houston will always be proud of him.”
George Foreman’s journey defied odds, critics, and even Father Time. From Olympic glory to heavyweight gold, from ministry to multimillionaire mogul, he lived multiple lives in one — all powered by persistence and grace.
He taught the world you can change, grow, and rise again. His legacy lives not only in championship belts and countertop grills, but in hearts, homes, and history.
Rest in peace, Big George. A true heavyweight — in spirit, strength, and soul.