‘Patron saint of broke college students’: Fans Overwhelmed with Nostalgia Over Foreman Grill After George Foreman’s Passing

Kevin Binoy | 22/03/2025
George Foreman (USA) bei der Markeneinführung seines Labels - hier präsentiert er seine Large Lean Mean Grilling Machine, zur fettarmen Zubereitung von Fleisch Boxen Herren Werbeveranstaltung 2002, Public Relations,

Goerge Foreman, the oldest heavyweight champion in history and a larger-than-life figure both in and out of the ring, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news on Instagram, and fans everywhere are reflecting on the legacy he leaves behind. The man won everything inside the ring, from Olympic gold to multiple world titles, but it appears, that one of his greatest contributions to the people was bringing them together through the nostalgia of the Foreman grill. 

Introduced in 1994, this innovative appliance featured a clamshell design that grilled food on both sides simultaneously, with a slanted surface allowing fat to drain away, promoting healthier cooking. 

Foreman’s charismatic promotion turned the grill into a household staple, leading to over 100 million units sold worldwide. Financially, the grill was a massive success, with ‘Big George’ earning approximately 40% of the profits per unit sold. At its peak, he reportedly made $4.5 million per month from grill sales.

In fact, he managed to become more of a household name after retiring from pugilism. And now that he has passed away, more than a few very interesting tributes are pouring in from some of his best customers. 

This lifelong fan paid his respects to Foreman and praised him for being the face of the grill, saying “Rip legend, I’ve owned my grill for 20+ years now. He made the best of them.”

Others in the community got really nostalgic about their childhood and added, “Long before the Air Fryer hype there was something else according to this fan, “We ain’t have air fryers growing up. We had George Foreman grills.”

Reminiscing on the savior, Foreman was for college students a fan said, “Not only was George Foreman one of the greatest fighters of all-time, he was the patron saint of broke college students for the past 30 years. The George Foreman Grill was a game changer.” Another reiterated that sentiment and added, “RIP George Foreman. Your grill got me through college.”

People of this generation might not realize this, but the Foreman Grill was for all occasions. “EVERYONE had that grill. Girl coming over? You better believe we were having grilled chicken. Burgers with the boys? Not a problem. Thank you, George Foreman“. this fan tweeted in remembrance. 

Another got nostalgic about the popularity of the grill, claiming even corporations were giving them to their employees as gifts. “PlayStation 2 George Foreman Grill given to Sony employees in 2003.“, he said.

“The George Foreman grill walked, so the air fryer could fly“, said another fan, cementing the importance of the concept of easy cooking. 
It turns out, the Foreman grill wasn’t just a savior for the college students. “Shout out to Big George Foreman. Your grill kept me alive in my early 20s and again when I got divorced in my mid 30s.” tweeted a fan, establishing the importance of the grill for grown men and dads everywhere.
As one can imagine from these responses, the Foreman Grill was hugely successful. Some reports even claim that ‘Big George’ made more money from selling these than he did throughout his boxing career.

In 1999, Salton, Inc. purchased the rights to use his name for $138 million, bringing his total earnings from the grill to over $200 million. The George Foreman Grill not only revolutionized home cooking but also solidified Foreman’s status as a savvy entrepreneur.​
Post Edited By: Smrutisnat Jena
George Foreman

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Kevin Binoy

With more than 4 years of journalistic experience in the mixed martial arts industry, Kevin Binoy is a true connoisseur of the sport. He is an MMA journalist at The SportsRush but the 'break room historian' watches every sport under the sun. While his degree in economics enables him to call Paris home, Kevin only ever humbly brags having caught a glimpse of Demetrious Johnson that one time LIVE in Singapore. Kevin has covered countless UFC PPVs with over 2500 articles and millions of views to his name. He mainly covers PPVs and Fight Nights but also has a finger on the pulse of MMA pop culture.

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