George Foreman

George Foreman earned more money from a countertop grill than he ever did from boxing -- and his boxing career included some of the most lucrative fights in heavyweight history. The George Foreman Grill, licensed in 1994, has sold over 100 million units worldwide. Foreman's endorsement deal with Salton Inc. earned him $138 million in a single lump-sum payment in 1999 when he sold the naming rights. Total royalties from the grill over three decades are estimated at over $250 million.

Foreman's boxing career included winning the heavyweight championship at age 45 (the oldest heavyweight champion in history), earning an estimated $100 million in fight purses. His legendary 'Rumble in the Jungle' loss to Muhammad Ali in 1974 is one of the most famous sporting events in history. His comeback in the 1990s, when he returned to boxing after a 10-year retirement and regained the title, was a feel-good story that made him massively marketable.

Foreman's jovial personality, willingness to sell products, and everyman appeal made him one of the most successful endorsement athletes in history. He named all five of his sons George, which became a running joke that further endeared him to the public. His net worth of $300 million is almost entirely attributable to a kitchen appliance.