Launched in 1994, the George Foreman Grill was doing $200m a year by 1998.
Foreman’s royalty was so massive (>40%), that the manufacturer decided to buy him out in 1999: it cost them $138m.
Foreman’s royalty was so massive (>40%), that the manufacturer decided to buy him out in 1999: it cost them $138m.
George Foreman was an incredible spokesperson in mid-1990s after regaining heavyweight title in 1994 against Michael Moorer.
He did so at the incredible age of 45 (oldest ever to win title). He was actually retired from 1977 to 1987, but had to box again b/c of money issues.
He did so at the incredible age of 45 (oldest ever to win title). He was actually retired from 1977 to 1987, but had to box again b/c of money issues.
Anyways, I’m gonna be writing about some of the greatest royalty deals ever for my business newsletter. You can subscribe here (and I’ll probably include good Foreman Grill panini recipes). trungphan.substack.com
Two things about the Foreman knockout:
1. The KO punch doesn’t look hard but apparently it snapped Moorer’s mouth guard in half.
2. Foreman said he pulled his punches throughout the match to make the 26-year old Moorer think 45-year Foreman lost his power
1. The KO punch doesn’t look hard but apparently it snapped Moorer’s mouth guard in half.
2. Foreman said he pulled his punches throughout the match to make the 26-year old Moorer think 45-year Foreman lost his power
As part of royalty buyout, George Foreman lent his likeness to the grill and agreed to not sponsor a competing product.
Lifetime, the George Foreman Grill has sold 100m+ units.
Here’s an NYT recap of the deal: nytimes.com
Lifetime, the George Foreman Grill has sold 100m+ units.
Here’s an NYT recap of the deal: nytimes.com
Legend has it that Hulk Hogan was offered the Grill endorsement deal but passed to do a “Meatball Maker”.
I can’t find the Meatball Maker but Hogan did release a blender in 1990s and — in 2000s — his own grill (which flopped).
🔗 cbr.com
I can’t find the Meatball Maker but Hogan did release a blender in 1990s and — in 2000s — his own grill (which flopped).
🔗 cbr.com
Foreman told AARP he made “much more” than $200m all-in on the Grill (he also shares thoughts on Muhammad Ali, who beat him 1974’s Rumble in the Jungle aka one of the greatest sporting events of 20th century). aarp.org
Foreman lost his last fight on November 22nd, 1997 to Shannon Briggs. The champ said that after the fight, he received a $1m royalty check.
Shortly after, he retired from boxing and committed to making the Grill a smash hit. finurah.com
Shortly after, he retired from boxing and committed to making the Grill a smash hit. finurah.com
Never forget Michael Scott’s iconic George Foreman Grill injury from The Office.
(h/t @TheHolyKau)
(h/t @TheHolyKau)
Last thing: here’s an amazing video of Foreman explaining how Ali pulled off the Rope-a-Dope during their legendary 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” fight.
🔗 youtu.be
🔗 youtu.be
Loading suggestions...