George Foreman was a legend in and out of the ring. The name of the former preacher and boxer will always be linked to the George Foreman grill, which he claimed would “knock out the fat.” And though the grill itself is famous, in some ways it’s actually iconic.
#1. The Foreman Grill was Foreman’s in name only. The heavyweight champ didn’t actually invent it. A tinkerer from Illinois came up with the invention, which he originally called the “Short Order Grill.”
#2. At first, Foreman didn’t have anything to do with the grill at all. It was on the market but wasn’t selling. When Foreman’s attorney brought him one to try out, Foreman stashed the grill and forgot about it. His wife eventually used it to make him a burger. Her good review of the grill persuaded Foreman to endorse it.
#3. Foreman never expected to make money from the grill. He only wanted some free grills for large family and his many friends. The 16 free grills he was promised came with profit sharing instead of endorsement money. His second royalty check was $2500, and he thought that was all the money he’d ever see from the grill.
Foreman’s grill is more than an appliance. It’s a cultural marker that reminds us of the power of the boxer’s presence. He will be missed.