Photos trace George Foreman's 'extraordinary life'

George Foreman, one of boxing's most iconic figures and a man of many talents, died Friday night at the age of 76.

Foreman's family confirmed the news of his passing on social media, writing in a post they made the announcement with "profound sadness."

The family also included a brief but heartfelt tribute dedicated to the "extraordinary life" led by a man they were blessed to call their own.

"With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones," the post read. "A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose."

"A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family," the post continued.

Additional details surrounding the circumstances of his death were not immediately available.

Foreman, who was best known for his illustrious boxing career, wanted to be remembered for more than just boxing.

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"But my life is much more than boxing – I've been knocked out more outside the ring than in the ring," Foreman told USA TODAY in April 2023.

When Foreman took a hiatus from boxing in 1977, one year after his “Rumble in the Jungle” loss to Muhammad Ali, he became an ordained minister, a television star, an author and a grillmaster. He was also a devoted father to 12, grandfather to five and great grandfather to three.

See George Foreman's "extraordinary life" in pictures.

Remembering George Foreman: Boxing legend, TV star and entrepreneur

Former heavyweight champion boxer George Foreman during a January 1973 training session in preparation for his match against Joe Frazier in Kingston.

World heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman at a press conference in London on March 12, 1973.

American heavyweight boxer George Foreman, the world heavyweight champion, holds a press conference in London on the first stage of his European tour, March 12, 1973.

The photograph shows the October 1974 fight between U.S. boxing heavyweight champions Muhammad Alli and George Foreman in Kinshasa.

George Foreman waits for the bell to ring for the fourth round of his bout against Steve Zouski of Milwaukee on March 9, 1987 in Sacramento, California.

George Foreman of the USA suffers at the hands of Tommy Morrison of the USA in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 6, 1987.

George Foreman throws a left punch at Holyfield during the fight at the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey, April 19, 1991.

George Foreman looks on after his victory over Alex Stewart on April 11, 1992.

George Foreman (left) lands a punch to the head of Alex Stewart April 11, 1992.

George Foreman during a press conference promoting his upcoming world heavyweight title flight with champion Michael Moorer on July 21, 1994. The fight was scheduled for November 5, 1994 in Las Vegas.

George Foreman wins a round during a bout against Michael Moorer in Las Vegas Nov. 5, 1994.

Winner George Foreman celebrates with his fans during a bout against Michael Moorer in Las Vegas Nov. 5, 1994.

Heavyweight champion George Foreman discusses his victory over German Axel Schultz immediately following their IBF title bout at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, April 22, 1995. Foreman wore sunglasses to shield his swollen left eye.

George Foreman (left) trades blows with Axel Schulz during their bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, April 22, 1995. Foreman won the fight in 12 rounds.

Heavyweight boxer Crawford Grimsley weighs in at 237lbs as he squares off with WBU champion George Forman, weighing in at 253lbs, at the weigh-in for their fight at the Tokyo Bay NK Hall in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 2, 1996.

George Foreman raises his hands to celebrate after beating Crawford Grimsley to retain the WBU heavyweight championship title at the Tokyo Bay NK Hall in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 3, 1996. Foreman won the fight by unanimous decision.

George Foreman (right) and Crawford Grimsley trade blows during a bout at Tokyo Bay NK Hall in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 3, 1996. Foreman won the fight by a decision in the 12th round.

George Foreman receives treatment in his corner during his bout versus Shannon Briggs at Mark Etess Arena in the Taj Mahal Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Nov. 22, 1997. Briggs won the bout by way of decision after 10 rounds.

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman looks on during a bout between Adrian Stone and Dezi Ford at the Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi, April 25, 1998.

George Foreman walks into the ring before the World Championship Boxing match at Caesers Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, in this undated photo.

Former world champion boxer George Foreman unveils his "Lean, Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine" at a London press conference on Nov. 22, 2001.

George Foreman cheers at remarks by President Barack Obama at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Phoenix Awards dinner on September 24, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

Meineke spokesman George Foreman seen speaking to West Virginia Mountaneers wide receiver Tito Gonzales and Ryan Stanchek before the Mountaineers 31-30 victory against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium on Dec. 27, 2008.

Retired pro-boxer George Foreman photographed at the world premiere of "Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World" on April 26, 2023 in Los Angeles.

Contributing: Anthony Robledo, Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Photos show boxing icon George Foreman through the years

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