When you hear the name George Foreman, you might think of a heavyweight boxing champion or the popular George Foreman Grill. But there’s more to his story than titles and kitchen appliances. From a rough upbringing to Olympic glory, and from boxing rings to boardrooms, George Foreman has built an incredible life. His success in sports and business has made him one of the richest and most recognizable figures in the world. Today, George Foreman net worth Forbes stands as a testament to his resilience, smart choices, and ability to reinvent himself time and again.
Who is George Foreman?
George Foreman is more than a retired professional boxer—he is a household name recognized for his legendary achievements in the ring, his booming business ventures, and his inspiring comeback story. Known as “Big George,” Foreman became a two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and an Olympic gold medalist. Later, he reinvented himself as a successful entrepreneur, television personality, and ordained minister. Today, George Foreman net worth reflects not only his achievements in sports but also his smart moves outside the ring.
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| Full Name | George Edward Foreman |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Big George |
| Date of Birth | January 10, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Marshall, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Boxer, Entrepreneur, Minister, TV Personality |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Weight (Career Peak) | 260 lbs (118 kg) |
| Boxing Record | 76 Wins (68 by KO), 5 Losses |
| Olympic Medal | Gold – 1968 Mexico City Olympics |
| Marital Status | Married to Mary Joan Martelly |
| Children | 12 (5 sons, 7 daughters) |
| Residence | Texas, United States |
| Estimated Net Worth | $300 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life
George Edward Foreman was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas. Raised in Houston’s tough Fifth Ward neighborhood, Foreman had a troubled youth. He dropped out of school at an early age and got involved in street fights and petty crime.
His life began to change when he joined the Job Corps, a federal program that offered vocational training. It was here that he discovered his natural talent for boxing. The Job Corps not only introduced him to the sport but also provided him with discipline and direction.
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Education
Though Foreman did not follow a traditional academic path, his time in the Job Corps was life-changing. He received vocational training in carpentry and bricklaying, which helped him develop a strong work ethic. More importantly, it introduced him to boxing under the guidance of Doc Broadus, a Job Corps counselor and boxing coach.
Later in life, George became an avid reader and motivational speaker. He also pursued theological studies after his retirement from boxing. His life experience and spiritual growth became a key part of his post-boxing career, although he never earned a formal college degree.
Relationship
George Foreman has been married five times. His current and fifth wife is Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985. The couple has remained together for several decades, showing a rare stability in his personal life after earlier turbulent relationships.
Foreman’s earlier marriages include Adrienne Calhoun (1971–1974), Cynthia Lewis (1977–1979), Sharon Goodson (1981–1982), and Andrea Skeete (1982–1985). Through these relationships, Foreman has fathered many children and built a large, blended family.
George Foreman Net Worth and Career
George Foreman’s career can be divided into three impressive chapters: boxing, entrepreneurship, and ministry.
Boxing Career
Foreman’s boxing journey began when he won the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. His powerful punches and intimidating presence quickly made him a top contender in the professional boxing world.
In 1973, he became the world heavyweight champion by defeating Joe Frazier in a legendary fight. However, he lost the title to Muhammad Ali in the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” match in 1974.
After retiring in 1977, Foreman made an unlikely comeback in 1987, fighting into his mid-40s. In 1994, at the age of 45, he regained the heavyweight title by defeating Michael Moorer, making him the oldest boxer in history to win a heavyweight championship.
Business and Brand
Perhaps more lucrative than his boxing career was the launch of the George Foreman Grill. Foreman became the face of the product in the 1990s. The grill’s global success turned him into a business icon. It’s estimated that he made over $200 million from the deal, earning far more than he ever did in the ring.
Ministry and Media
After a near-death experience in 1977, George Foreman became a Christian minister. He founded the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston and became a motivational speaker. He also appeared in TV commercials, reality shows, and wrote several books.
All these ventures have greatly contributed to George Foreman net worth, which continues to grow long after his final match.
Family
George Foreman is the father of 12 children, including five sons—each named George: George Jr., George III (“Monk”), George IV (“Big Wheel”), George V (“Red”), and George VI (“Little Joey”). He often jokes that naming them all George makes it easier to remember their names.
He also has seven daughters, some of whom have pursued careers in acting, writing, or business. Foreman is a devoted family man and frequently speaks about the importance of faith and family values in his life.
His wife, Mary Joan Martelly, has played a vital role in supporting his career and raising their children. The family lives in Texas, where Foreman continues to inspire younger generations through his community work.
George Foreman Net Worth
As of 2025, George Foreman net worth is estimated to be around $300 million. This impressive wealth comes from several sources:
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Professional Boxing Career | $5 million – $10 million |
| George Foreman Grill Deal | $200 million+ |
| Endorsements & Appearances | $20 million+ |
| Books, Media & TV Shows | $10 million+ |
| Investments & Business Ventures | $50 million+ |
The George Foreman net worth story stands as a lesson in branding and reinvention. From a hard-hitting boxer to a friendly TV pitchman, Foreman turned his public persona into a goldmine. His grill sold over 100 million units worldwide, and his contract buyout alone was reportedly $137 million.
What makes his wealth even more inspiring is the fact that most of it came after his boxing career, highlighting the power of smart business decisions and personal growth.
Social Links
While George Foreman is not extremely active on social media, he does maintain a presence to connect with fans and share his insights. Here are some of his known platforms:
His posts often reflect his humor, motivation, and family life. He also uses his platform to promote charitable activities and community events.
Physical Appearance
George Foreman was known in his prime for his massive physique and powerful frame. He stood out in the boxing world with his incredible strength and intimidating presence.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Weight (during boxing career) | 260 lbs (118 kg) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair | Bald (Shaved Head) |
| Build | Heavyweight, muscular |
Even in retirement, Foreman maintains a strong and healthy lifestyle. His appearance became softer and more relatable during his grill campaign, which helped him connect with a broader audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did George Foreman make most of his money?
While George Foreman earned millions during his boxing career, the majority of his wealth came from endorsing the George Foreman Grill. He reportedly made over $200 million from the deal, far surpassing his boxing earnings.
Is George Foreman still rich after retiring from boxing?
Yes, George Foreman net worth remains strong at an estimated $300 million. His continued success in business, media appearances, and smart investments have helped him maintain and grow his fortune after retirement.
What business ventures contributed to George Foreman net worth?
Apart from boxing, Foreman profited immensely from the George Foreman Grill, book deals, speaking engagements, and endorsements. His brand became a trusted household name, turning him into a savvy entrepreneur.
Conclusion
George Foreman net worth reflects decades of hard work, both inside and outside the ring. His story continues to inspire not just athletes, but also anyone looking to turn setbacks into success. Today, Big George stands as a shining example of what’s possible when talent meets discipline, faith, and business sense.
Whether you remember him as the fearsome boxer, the friendly grill promoter, or the wise minister, one thing is certain: George Foreman net worth is more than just a number—it’s the legacy of a true American icon.
