• Faith: Christian
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  January 10, 1949
• Date of Death:  March 21, 2025

George Foreman was a professional boxer, entrepreneur, Christian minister, and author. Known in the ring as "Big George," he competed from 1967 to 1997, earning distinction as a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist.

He was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, and raised in the tough Fifth Ward neighborhood of Houston. His childhood was marked by poverty and instability. He was raised primarily by his mother, Nancy Foreman, and his stepfather, J.D. Foreman, after his biological father left the family. Foreman often found himself in trouble with the law and dropped out of high school by the age of 15.

Life took a turn when he enrolled in the Job Corps, a government program that provided vocational training and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. While in the program, Foreman moved to Pleasanton, California, where he learned to box under the guidance of Doc Broaddus. It was Broaddus who saw potential in the young man and encouraged him to channel his anger and strength into the ring rather than the streets.

Foreman’s boxing career quickly took off. In 1968, he represented the United States at the Mexico City Olympic Games and won a gold medal in the heavyweight division, defeating Jonas Čepulis of the Soviet Union in the final. His post-victory celebration—waving a small American flag—became an iconic moment in Olympic history.

After turning professional in 1969, Foreman began to rise rapidly through the heavyweight ranks. His punching power was unmatched, and he developed a reputation as one of the most feared men in the ring. By 1973, Foreman was undefeated and earned a shot at the world heavyweight title against Joe Frazier. In a dominating performance, Foreman knocked Frazier down six times in two rounds to win the WBA, WBC, and The Ring heavyweight titles.

Foreman successfully defended his title twice before facing Muhammad Ali in the historic 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" in Kinshasa, Zaire. Despite being the favorite, Foreman was stunned by Ali’s rope-a-dope strategy and lost by knockout in the eighth round. The defeat marked the beginning of a downturn in his boxing career. He fought sporadically afterward and retired in 1977 following a loss to Jimmy Young—a fight that would ultimately change his life in more ways than one.

Following his loss to Young, Foreman had a profound spiritual experience in the locker room. He later described what felt like a near-death experience, saying that he felt the presence of death and saw his life flash before him. Foreman cried out to God and experienced what he called a rebirth. He dedicated his life to Jesus Christ and stepped away from boxing to become a preacher.

Foreman was ordained as a Christian minister and began preaching on street corners and later at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston. He also founded the George Foreman Youth and Community Center, which provided a safe haven for inner-city youth—offering them opportunities he never had growing up.

Although he found great fulfillment in ministry, financial troubles in the 1980s led Foreman back to the ring in 1987 at the age of 38. Many saw it as a publicity stunt or a desperate move, but Foreman shocked the world by winning fight after fight with a calmer, more strategic style and his now iconic smile.

In 1994, at age 45, Foreman completed one of the greatest comebacks in sports history when he knocked out Michael Moorer to regain the heavyweight championship—20 years after losing it. With the victory, he became the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history, a record he still holds.

Foreman officially retired from boxing in 1997 with a professional record of 76 wins (68 by knockout) and only five losses. His transformation from an angry, intimidating young fighter to a smiling, faith-filled elder statesman of the sport won him admiration across generations.

While many athletes struggle to find purpose after retirement, Foreman became a business juggernaut. He is perhaps best known for endorsing the George Foreman Grill, a product that went on to sell over 100 million units worldwide. Foreman’s affable nature and genuine charm helped make the grill a household staple. He reportedly made more money from the grill than he did from his entire boxing career—over $200 million from endorsements and naming rights.

In addition to his business ventures, Foreman also authored several books, appeared in commercials and television shows, and served as a boxing commentator. His influence extended far beyond the ring, as he became an inspirational figure for perseverance, faith, and second chances.

George Foreman was known for his deep love for his family. He married five times and had 12 children—five sons and seven daughters. In a humorous yet symbolic move, he named all five of his sons George (George Jr., George III, George IV, George V, and George VI), stating that he wanted them all to carry on his name and legacy. Many of them went by nicknames like "Monk," "Red," and "Big Wheel."

Despite the challenges of fame and personal loss—including the tragic death of his daughter Freeda Foreman in 2019—George remained committed to his family and faith throughout his life. He often spoke about the importance of forgiveness, grace, and living with purpose.

George Foreman passed away on March 20, 2025, at the age of 76. His family confirmed he died peacefully at his home in Texas, surrounded by loved ones.

Tributes poured in from all over the world. Fellow boxers, athletes, celebrities, and faith leaders honored Foreman not only for his achievements in the ring but for the kind of man he became after he left it. CBS Sports described him as a "legendary force in and out of the ring," and many remembered him as a symbol of resilience, redemption, and unwavering faith.

George Foreman's Religious Beliefs

George Foreman's life was shaped and sustained by his Christian faith. After his dramatic conversion experience in 1977, he never looked back. He devoted years to preaching, ministering to youth, and spreading the Gospel. Foreman often credited God for every success in his life, saying, “Without God, I’m nothing. With Him, I’ve had it all.”

In interviews and public appearances, Foreman was unafraid to speak about his relationship with Jesus. He used his platform to share his testimony and to encourage others to find hope and purpose in Christ. His bestselling autobiography, God in My Corner, detailed his spiritual journey and emphasized that faith—not fame or fortune—was the true cornerstone of his life.

Foreman's faith wasn’t just something he spoke about—it was something he lived. Whether he was training young boxers, mentoring at-risk youth, or speaking to packed arenas, Foreman consistently pointed others toward the source of his strength. He believed in second chances because he had lived one himself, and he made it his mission to help others discover that same grace.

He also encouraged others to use their gifts for God’s glory, whether in the ring, the pulpit, or the boardroom. His life stood as a powerful example of how a man once consumed by anger and pride could be transformed into a beacon of kindness, wisdom, and humility—all through the power of faith.

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