Jack Hoffman, a beloved fan of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers, passed away at 19 after a long battle with brain cancer. He gained fame in 2013 for a touching 69-yard touchdown run during a spring game, which captured the hearts of many and won the ESPY Award for Best Moment in Sports. Diagnosed with brain cancer at age 5, his journey inspired the creation of the Team Jack Foundation, raising over $14 million for pediatric brain tumor research. Jack’s father, Andy, who also battled brain cancer, died in 2021. Tributes from friends, fans, and leaders highlight Jack’s enduring impact.
Jack Hoffman, a fan of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team who warmed the hearts of millions by running for a touchdown during the 2013 spring game, has died at age 19 after a years-long battle with brain cancer. died at the age of
The executive director of the Team Jack Foundation announced that he died at his home in Atkinson, Nebraska, after fighting Wednesday. Medical tests in October revealed that he had developed a new, more aggressive brain tumor in his body.
Hoffman was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011, which led to the creation of a foundation to support pediatric brain tumor research.
Jack’s father, Andy Hoffman, was himself diagnosed with brain cancer in 2020 and passed away in 2021 at the age of 42.
Jack’s passion for the Cornhuskers football team led to his friendship with then-Huskers running back and future Super Bowl champion Rex Burkhead.
That led to Hoffman being invited to the team’s spring game in Lincoln in 2013. The coaching staff invited him to play in the fourth quarter. Jack took the handoff from then-quarterback Taylor Martinez and marched 69 yards down the field toward the end zone.
Jack Hoffman dies at age 19 after being diagnosed with childhood brain tumor in 2011
Hoffman became world-famous for his run in Nebraska’s 2013 spring football game.
Hoffman’s run prompted players from both sidelines to rush onto the field, massaging him and hoisting him into the air as thousands of spectators in the stands at Memorial Stadium applauded him.
The run made national headlines for several days, and the video has racked up millions of views, currently sitting at 8.9 million views at the time of publication.
Mr. Hoffman, Mr. Birkhead and his family visited President Barack Obama in the Oval Office a few weeks after running for office.
That same year, Hoffman also won the 2013 ESPY Award for Best Moment in Sports.
According to the Associated Press, Jack played for the Atkinson High School football team. He then attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he studied the basics of law.
According to ESPN, Hoffman was first diagnosed with a cancerous glioma (tumor) in 2011 at the age of 5. Doctors told the Hoffmans that most of the tumor could not be removed.
After researching treatments for the tumor, Hoffman’s father found a doctor in Boston who removed more than 90 percent of the tumor.
Hoffman developed a friendship with Birkhead. Burkhead used Jack’s fight as an example to inspire the Cornhuskers in a game against Ohio State in late 2011. Burkhead then scored the winning touchdown, giving Nebraska the victory.
In 2013, Hoffman and his father, Andy, won the ESPY Award for Best Sports Moment.
Hoffman even got a chance to meet with President Barack Obama at the White House.
That led to an invitation from Nebraska’s coaches to play in the spring game in 2013. Hoffman donned pads, a jersey and a helmet too big for his head and set out on a run that inspired millions.
“Jack Hoffman exemplified what it means to be a Husker every day through courage, fight and inspiration,” the Nebraska Department of Athletics said in a statement posted on its social media accounts. We are heartbroken by his loss and send all our love to the Hoffman family. ”
Birkhead also posted a tribute to Hoffman, writing, “I love you, buddy.” Say “Hello” to Jesus.
Dick Vitale, a longtime ESPN college basketball announcer and cancer survivor, said: “Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Jack Hoffman, 19, of @NebraskaFB fame after his battle with cancer.” he posted. Jack Hoffman captured the hearts of the audience at the 2014 Gala. Rest in peace, Jack!
Will Compton of Barstool Sports, who played at Nebraska from 2008 to 2012, also paid tribute to him, saying, “This is heartbreaking.” My heart goes out to the Hoffman family and everyone involved at the @teamjack Foundation who have fought with them to raise money for pediatric brain tumors from the inspiration of Jack Hoffman. May the Husker legend rest in peace. ”
“Jack inspired millions of people and touched the hearts of people around the world,” Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said in a statement. The touchdown run at Memorial Stadium was one of the greatest moments in Husker football history and helped raise money and begin the important mission to find a cure for childhood brain tumors. Suzanne and I grieve with Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman and join the people of Nebraska in sending their prayers to their family. ”
Since his escape, the Team Jack Foundation, founded by his father Andy, has raised more than $14 million for pediatric brain tumor research.
Andy was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, another form of brain cancer, in 2020 and died less than a year later.