Magic Johnson mourns George Foreman’s death with moving tweet on boxing legend’s trailblazing path

Magic Johnson made a long tweet recognizing the impact that George Foreman has had on American culture following his death

Magic Johnson mourns George Foreman’s death with moving tweet on boxing legend’s trailblazing path

Magic Johnson, George Foreman (Images via their official Instagram)

2025 has thus far been a sad year as far as celebrity deaths go. The tragic deaths of actors Gene Hackman and Michelle Trachtenberg, director David Lynch and Aubrey Plaza’s husband and filmmaker Jeff Baena have already caused an outpouring of grief on social media. This will be compounded by the passing of George Foreman at the age of 76. No cause of death was mentioned in the statement released by his family members.

George Foreman was the exemplification of a true American hero during his lifetime. He became the boxing heavyweight world champion in 1973 and was an Olympic gold medalist for his country in 1968. Foreman retired in his prime after a surprise defeat to Mohammad Ali, but would later return to be the oldest heavyweight world champion in boxing history. Foreman knocked out Foreman knocked out undefeated Michael Moorer at age 45 for this honor. He retired at age 48 with a 76-5 record.

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Boxing, however, isn’t Foreman’s only contribution to American and world culture. The born-again Christian was the face of the George Foreman grills, which sold over 100 million units by the end of 2011. Foreman made over $200 million from proceeds for this product, a sum considerably larger than his boxing payouts. As a result of all his contributions to black culture, his death has sent black Americans into mourning.

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Among those sportspersons joining in with condolences for the deceased boxing legend is Magic Johnson. Johnson made a long tweet recognizing the impact that Foreman has had on American culture. He also cited Foreman as one of his sports heroes – a humongous nod given Johnson’s own standing as one of America’s most beloved athletes of all time.

I was really sad to hear the news that one of my boxing heroes, George Foreman, passing away. I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man. After leaving the ring, he turned into an amazing businessman — I even bought one of the first George Foreman grills! Cookie and I will be praying for his family during this time.

Magic Johnson tweeted

Magic Johnson joined by other celebrities in mourning George Foreman

Fellow boxing legend and former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson posted pictures of himself with Foreman within minutes of the news of his death hitting the timeline. Tyson tweeted condolences to his family and emphasized that Foreman’s contributions would be eternally remembered by the boxing fraternity.

6-time NBA champion and All-Star Scottie Pippen also joined in with his own message of condolence. Pippen posted an iconic picture of Foreman past his prime ringside and reminded sports fans of his legacy.

Renowned LeBron James detractor Skip Bayless also wrote a message for the beloved boxing champion’s untimely death.

RIP George Foreman. A giant of a man in every way. As feared a boxer as ever there was, pre Rumble. Then: As beloved a pitchman as ever sold a product. Such a rare human.

Skip Bayless tweeted

Foreman, who was married five times during his lifetime, is survived by his 12 children. His family has asked for privacy amidst their sorrowful times.