After an extended 14-year fight with cancer, Jack Hoffman, a young Nebraska football fan whose inspirational goal run during the 2013 Cornhuskers’ spring game won hearts around the country, died at the age of 19. The Team Jack Foundation, which he helped start in recognition of his battle against pediatric brain cancer, confirmed his passing.
A Brave Fight Against Brain Cancer
At the age of five, Jack was diagnosed with a cancer brain tumor, a diagnosis that medical professionals warned was almost impossible to overcome. It was unable to remove the golf-ball-sized tumor completely. But thanks to his father’s continuous investigation, the Hoffman family located a Boston physician who was able to remove more than 90% of the tumor. Jack’s battle began at this crucial juncture, and millions would soon be inspired by his determination.
Jack’s path had a connection with Nebraska football, specifically with running back Rex Burkhead, who was his favorite player. An enduring bond was formed when Burkhead met Jack before his operation, had lunch with him, and even competed against him on the field. Later, Burkhead would use Jack’s story to motivate his teammates, leading the Cornhuskers to a thrilling victory over Ohio State in 2011.
“The Run” and Its Impact
When the coaches at Nebraska chose to include Jack Hoffman in a spring game in 2013, his narrative took an extraordinary turn. In front of 60,000 screaming viewers, Jack, then just 7 years old, sprinted for a 69-yard touchdown while sporting a huge helmet. With over 10 million views on YouTube, the action was caught on camera and swiftly gained notoriety as “The Run.”
Not only did the event inspire people, but it won hearts throughout the nation. Jack later won an ESPY Award for the best moment in sports and met President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C. Above all, “The Run” assisted Jack’s family in creating the Team Jack Foundation, which has raised more than $14 million to support research on pediatric brain cancer.
A Legacy of Courage
Jack Hoffman continued to fight cancer, but his spirit remained unwavering. Andy Hoffman, Jack’s father, received a diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer, in 2020. Less than a year later, he died. Bri Hoffman, Jack’s mother, remained hopeful about her son’s future despite everything. Jack lived life to the fullest despite having seizures and going through clinical trials. He even played lineman for his high school football team in Atkinson, Nebraska, and attended homecoming ceremonies.
Brain scans in 2023 revealed tumour development as Jack’s health started to decline requiring another surgery in 2024. A high-grade glioma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer, was identified as the cause of his illness. Jack continued, too. He underwent 30 radiation treatments before starting his first year at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he enrolled in the pre-law program in the hopes of becoming a lawyer like his father.
An Unforgettable Impact
Beyond football and cancer research, Jack Hoffman has left a lasting legacy. He was a representation of bravery and optimism for everyone suffering hardship, not just kids battling cancer. Jack’s story never stops motivating us because it shows that even in the most trying situations, incredible things can happen if you have hope and patience.
Jack’s school, the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), honored him in a statement as “a valued member of our Loper community.” As evidence of his commitment and tenacity, Jack Hoffman made the dean’s list during his first semester. UNK commended his efforts to increase awareness of pediatric cancer through the Team Jack Foundation and offered its sympathies to his family.
Bri Hoffman talked about how devastating it was to tell Jack’s instructors in his last months that he was unable to take his finals because of his declining health. She commented, “He has worked very hard this semester,” highlighting Jack’s extraordinary fortitude throughout his life.
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The Power of “The Run”
In a 2020 interview, Jack discussed his thoughts on “The Run,” acknowledging that he never thought it would become so significant. Without thinking of the gravity of the situation, he had been anxious. But with his father’s advice—in essence, “Just run until you hit the fence”—Jack Hoffman overcame his doubts, knowing that he would soon become an inspiration to millions of people.
The tale of Jack Hoffman’s life is one of bravery, tenacity, and love. In addition to the ongoing work of the Team Jack Foundation to fight child brain cancer, his influence will endure for years to come in the hearts of everyone who witnessed his run and learned about his story.
Rest in peace, Jack Hoffman. Your legacy will never be forgotten.