LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – Jack Hoffman, the young boy who captured the hearts of millions with his unforgettable 69-yard touchdown run at a University of Nebraska spring game in 2013, has died at the age of 19 after a long battle with brain cancer. The announcement was made by the Team Jack Foundation on Wednesday, leaving a nation in mourning for the courageous young man.
Immediate Impact
The Team Jack Foundation shared the heartbreaking news, stating, “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.”
“Jack may no longer be with us in person, but his legacy lives on in the work of the Team Jack Foundation, in the lives of the children and families we’ve helped, and in the hope he gave to so many,” the foundation’s statement continued.
Key Details Emerge
In October, medical tests revealed that new and more aggressive tumors had developed, according to reports from the Associated Press. Jack Hoffman was first diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of five, a battle that led his family to establish the Team Jack Foundation aimed at raising awareness and funds for pediatric brain cancer research.
Hoffman was a freshman at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, majoring in political science. The university expressed its profound sadness, noting the significant impact Jack made during his time on campus.
By the Numbers
- 69-yard touchdown: Hoffman’s iconic run during the 2013 spring game.
- 60,000 fans: Attendance at the spring game where Hoffman ran his famous touchdown.
- 2013 ESPY Award: Hoffman won for “Best Moment” that year.
- 2010: The year Hoffman attended his first Nebraska football game on his fifth birthday.
Background Context
Jack’s journey into the national spotlight began with his famous touchdown run, which was witnessed by over 60,000 fans. The moment was not only a highlight of that year’s spring game but also earned him an ESPY award for “Best Moment.” The then-first grader described the experience to CNN as feeling “great,” while his father, Andy Hoffman, expressed the emotional significance of the event for the family.
Jack’s story reached the Oval Office, where he met with then-President Barack Obama, who signed a football for him. Tragically, Jack’s father, Andy, passed away from glioblastoma in March 2021, highlighting the family’s ongoing battle with cancer.
Industry Response
The University of Nebraska’s athletic department expressed its condolences, stating, “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.”
What Comes Next
While the nation mourns the loss of Jack Hoffman, his legacy continues through the work of the Team Jack Foundation. The foundation remains committed to its mission of supporting pediatric brain cancer research and providing hope to countless families facing similar battles.
The announcement comes as a reminder of the impact one young life can have on a community and a nation. Jack Hoffman’s story of courage and determination will continue to inspire many, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience.
