Nebraska, Linc – Jack Hoffman, who captured the nation’s heart in 2013 when he scored a 69-yard touchdown at Nebraska spring game at age seven, died of brain cancer, Jack Hoffman is the inspiration behind the foundation. After being diagnosed with brain cancer at age five, The Team Jack Foundation confirmed Hoffman died Wednesday morning at 19 years old.
Jack Hoffman, is a freshman political science major at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). Jack had recently completed his first semester before his death.
Jack, a native of Atkinson, Nebraska, was not just admired within his university. He was widely known across the state and beyond for his incredible courage and unwavering dedication to raising awareness about pediatric brain cancer through the Team Jack Foundation. Jack’s story touched the hearts of countless people, and his efforts in advocating for childhood cancer research made a significant and lasting impact.
Born on September 26, 2005, Jack lived an extraordinary life filled with love for sports, especially Cornhusker football. His first Husker game at the age of five, a gift from his parents, sparked a lifelong passion for the team, which would later lead to one of the most memorable moments of his life. Jack’s journey with cancer began in 2011 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor after a life-threatening seizure. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and enduring numerous rounds of chemotherapy, Jack’s resilient spirit never wavered.
In 2013, Jack captured the nation’s attention during the Nebraska spring football game, when he ran for a 69-yard touchdown, cheered on by the entire Cornhusker team. That moment, now known as “The Run,” won the ESPY Award for Best Moment in Sports and brought widespread awareness to childhood brain cancer. Jack’s friendship with Nebraska football star Rex Burkhead, who wore a “Team Jack” wristband during games, was a testament to the profound impact Jack had on those around him.
Jack’s medical battle was relentless. After his initial diagnosis in 2011, he underwent multiple surgeries, including a second one later that year at Boston Children’s Hospital, where a significant portion of the tumor was removed. While Jack was briefly seizure-free after this surgery, the tumor began to grow again, and his family embarked on a long and challenging journey of treatments, clinical trials, and countless hospital visits.
In 2018, Jack began treatment for a recurring tumor with a clinical trial aimed at targeting the tumor’s genetic mutations. This treatment allowed him to maintain a level of stability and enjoy life as a teenager, despite the many challenges he faced. He returned to playing football at West Holt High School, proudly wearing the number 75 jersey, continuing a family tradition.
Jack’s health took another turn in March 2023 when his MRI revealed further tumor growth. Despite undergoing additional surgeries and radiation therapy, his tumor transitioned from a low-grade glioma to a rare high-grade glioma, presenting new challenges for his medical team. Nonetheless, Jack’s family remained determined to find effective treatments, continuing to advocate for research through the Team Jack Foundation.
In May 2024, Jack graduated from West Holt High School and entered UNK in the fall, where he pursued a pre-law program. Though his health continued to decline, Jack remained active in campus life, enjoying Husker football and volleyball games during his freshman year. Tragically, in October 2024, Jack’s tumor grew significantly, leading to the need for further chemotherapy.
Jack’s passing is a profound loss for the UNK community, his family, and everyone who followed his courageous battle. His spirit, strength, and determination to fight childhood cancer will continue to inspire many. The Hoffman family, through the Team Jack Foundation, has made lasting contributions to pediatric cancer research, and Jack’s legacy will live on through their work.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jack’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. Jack Hoffman may be gone, but the indelible mark he left on the world will never be forgotten.