Jack Hoffman, the Nebraska football fan who captured the hearts of millions after running for a touchdown during the 2013 Cornhuskers’ spring game, has died after a 14-year battle with brain cancer. He was 19 years old. His family, through the Team Jack Foundation, confirmed his passing in a statement that read: “Jack passed away after a long and hard-fought battle with brain cancer, a journey that inspired countless lives and left a legacy of hope, strength, and resilience. Through his battle, Jack touched lives far and wide,” as reported by CNN. Hoffman leaves behind a legacy that changed the landscape of pediatric brain cancer fundraising and inspired a nation.
Childhood Blighted by Cancer
Diagnosed with a glioma, a form of brain cancer, at just 5 years old, Jack faced an uphill battle from the start. His golf ball-sized tumor could not be fully removed, but after his father, Andy Hoffman, tirelessly researched medical options, they found a surgeon in Boston who managed to remove over 90% of the tumor. The Hoffmans’ journey, marked by resilience and determination, began a remarkable chapter that would unfold in ways they never expected.
Jack’s favorite player was Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead, and the two formed a lasting bond. Just before his surgery, Andy reached out to Nebraska to arrange a meeting between his son and Burkhead. The two had lunch together, and Burkhead even raced Jack on the field. Their friendship would have an enduring impact, with Burkhead later crediting Jack’s inspiration as a driving force behind Nebraska’s rally to defeat Ohio State in 2011.
Running a Touchdown
The public’s awareness of Jack grew immensely after a pivotal moment in the 2013 Nebraska spring game. Wearing a helmet that was too large for his head, Jack, then 7 years old, took to the field and ran a 69-yard touchdown, much to the adoration of 60,000 cheering fans. The viral moment, now known as “The Run,” quickly garnered more than 10 million views on YouTube and propelled Jack into the national spotlight. The event also helped spark the creation of the Team Jack Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to pediatric brain cancer research. To date, the foundation has raised over $14 million.
Jack’s story continued to captivate people across the country. His achievements were recognized beyond Nebraska, as he met President Barack Obama and received an ESPY Award for Best Moment in Sports. His legacy also includes an inspiring approach to life, as he defied the odds time and again, attending high school events, enjoying hobbies like tubing and boating, and even participating in his high school’s football team as a lineman.
Despite the challenges, Jack’s health continued to deteriorate over the years. In 2023, brain scans showed tumor progression, and he underwent surgery to remove a growing glioma. Later, doctors revealed that the tumor had become a rare high-grade glioma. In the summer of 2024, Jack received 30 radiation treatments and began his freshman year at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in a pre-law program. He had dreams of becoming a lawyer like his father.
In a statement released Wednesday and published by ESPN, the University of Nebraska-Kearney praised Jack’s spirit and his unwavering commitment to raising awareness for childhood cancer. The school noted that Jack had earned a spot on the dean’s list during his first semester, a testament to his resilience. “Jack was widely admired across Nebraska and beyond for his courageous spirit and dedication to raising awareness about childhood cancer,” the statement read. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jack’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.”
The Nebraska Huskers posted on X: “Jack Hoffman embodied what it means to be a Husker every day through his courage, fight, and inspiration. We are heartbroken by his loss and send all our love to the Hoffman family,” as reported by 1011 Now.
Jack’s legacy will not be forgotten. His story remains an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance, hope, and the difference one individual can make. His iconic touchdown, the friendships he fostered, and his tireless advocacy for pediatric brain cancer research will forever be a part of Nebraska football and beyond.
In the words of Jack himself, a mantra he held through every trial, “If you don’t know it, just run until you hit the fence.”
