Jack Hoffman, a Nebraska Cornhuskers superfan who drew national attention with a touchdown run in a spring game when he was 7 years old and was battling cancer, has died. he was 19 years old.
Kylie Dockter, executive director of the Team Jack Foundation, announced that Hoffman died Wednesday of a brain tumor. He was battling a new, more aggressive tumor late last year.
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Cancer survivor Jack Hoffman takes a drug-free pledge during halftime of the Nebraska NCAA college football spring game on April 12, 2014 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (AP Photo/Nati Halnik, File)
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Hoffman, the brave namesake of the Team Jack Foundation. Jack passed away after a long and difficult battle with brain cancer. “He inspired so many lives and left us with a legacy of hope, strength and resilience,” the foundation said in a statement on social media.
“Throughout his fights, Jack touched the lives of a wide range of people. From his unforgettable 69-yard touchdown run in the Nebraska spring game that touched the hearts of millions, to his commitment to providing comfort through the work of the Team Jack Foundation. His legacy continues to impact countless families who have received support. will resonate for generations. Although Jack may no longer be with us in person, his legacy continues to resonate with the children and families we have helped in the work of Team Jack Foundation. and in the hope he gave me. “Many.”
Hoffman was first diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2011, and his parents helped start a foundation to support research efforts to eradicate childhood brain tumors.
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Hoffman's father, Andy, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2020 and passed away on March 1, 2021 at the age of 42.
The foundation has raised more than $12.6 million since 2013.
Hoffman made headlines after the coaching staff invited him to play in the fourth quarter during the University of Nebraska's 2013 spring game. Hoffman ran for a 69-yard touchdown and was the talk of the sports world for several days.
Meanwhile, he began to develop a friendship with running back Rex Burkhead. Afterwards, they and Hoffman's family visited then-President Obama, who gave Hoffman a new soccer ball and told him he was proud of him.
“I love you, buddy. Please say hello to Jesus,” Birkhead wrote in a post to X.
Jack Hoffman (left) and his father Andy Hoffman accept the Best Moment Award at the ESPY Awards on July 17, 2013 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. (John Shearer/Invision/AP, File)
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Mr. Hoffman played football at Atkinson High School and graduated in May. He received his Master of Laws degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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