Nebraska football super fan Jack Hoffman died from his battle with cancer following a 14-year battle on Wednesday, according to the Team Jack Foundation.
Hoffman, who was 19 years old, was first diagnosed with cancer when he was 5 in 2011. He gained fame in 2013 when he scored a touchdown during a Nebraska spring game. Over the last 14 years, the Team Jack Foundation has raised millions of dollars to support childhood brain cancer research.
‘Jack Hoffman, you will always be our hero.’
In December, the foundation posted on Facebook that Hoffman’s latest scans revealed he had ‘multiple tumor locations.’
Here’s what you need to know about Hoffman:
How old was Jack Hoffman?
Hoffman was born on September 26, 2005, in Atkinson, Nebraska, and died on Jan. 15, 2025, at 19.
Who was Jack Hoffman?
Hoffman was a Nebraska football fan who became famous for scoring a 69-yard touchdown in the 2013 Nebraska spring game, played in front of 60,000 fans at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.
After his initial cancer diagnosis, Andy Hoffman ― Jack Hoffman’s father ― reached out to his son’s favorite player, Rex Burkhead, ahead of surgery, and the two formed a friendship. Burkhead played for the Cornhuskers from 2009 to 2012 before a 10-year NFL career.
Then, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini invited Hoffman to the Huskers’ spring game in 2013, and the rest is history. The moment earned him an ESPY and a meeting with then-President Barrack Obama. He also served as the grand marshal of Nebraska’s homecoming parade in 2013.
Team Jack Foundation
Hoffman’s touchdown run in 2013 helped launch the Team Jack Foundation, which was started in 2011 when he was first diagnosed. The initial effort was to sell wristbands and shirts to show support for Hoffman.
The foundation has over $14 million to raise awareness for and support pediatric brain cancer research.
Jack Hoffman Nebraska spring game touchdown run
Hoffman took a handoff from quarterback Taylor Martinez and took it 69 yards for a touchdown.