Jack Hoffman, a well-known and beloved super fan of the University of Nebraska football team, passed away after battling brain cancer for 14 years. He was 19 years old.
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The Team Jack Foundation, formed by Hoffman’s parents, Andy and Bri, to raise funds for pediatric brain cancer research, confirmed the news in a Facebook post.
“Jack passed away after a long and hard-fought battle with brain cancer,” the foundation shared. “A journey that inspired countless lives and left a legacy of hope, strength, and resilience.”
The Team Jak Foundation also wrote about how Hoffman touched many lives throughout his cancer battle. He first made headlines after his amazing 69-yard touchdown during the University of Nebraska Spring Game in April 2013. He was seven years old at the time and had entered the game during the fourth quarter.
After the event, Hoffman met with President Obama and received the Best Moment ESPY Award for 2013.
Over the past year, Hoffman underwent several rounds of chemotherapy while enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He graduated from West Holt High in Atkinson, Nebraska, and received a full scholarship from the Kearney Law Opportunities Program.
“From his unforgettable 69-yard touchdown run during the Nebraska Spring Game that captivated the hearts of millions to the countless families who found solace and support through the work of the Team Jack Foundation, his impact will echo for generations,” the foundation shared.
Jack is survived by his mother, Bri, and younger sisters, Ava and Reese. He is preceded in death by his father, Andy, who died after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2020.
“While we mourn his passing, we also find comfort in knowing that Jack is now reunited with his father, Andy, in heaven,” the foundation added.
The University of Nebraska Pays Tribue to Super Fan Jack Hoffman
Following the news that Jack Hoffman passed away, the University of Nebraska took to social media to pay tribute to the late super fan.
“Jack Hoffman embodied what it means to be a Husker every day through his courage, fight, and inspiration,” the university stated on X (formerly Twitter). “We are heartbroken by his loss and send all our love to the Hoffman family.”
The Nebraska football team shared a clip of Hoffman’s iconic touchdown in a separate post on X.
“Small in stature, but not in heart. Your legacy will live on forever, Jack,” the team declared.
Small in stature, but not in heart.
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) January 15, 2025
Your legacy will live on forever Jack. ❤️ https://t.co/YZfSWIXIya pic.twitter.com/mnVQkHBW37
Fellow Cornhuskers fans spoke out about Hoffman’s death, praising him for his dedication to the university.
“Teared then, teared now, what an inspiration this young man was, prayers to his family,” a fan wrote.
Another fan wanted to honor Hoffman with a nod to the late fan’s favorite Cornhusker football player, Rex Burkhead.
“The #22 should be permanently retired with both [Rex Burkhead] and Jack’s name on next to it,” the fan wrote. “Or include Jack’s name with the #22 somewhere. I’m sure Rex would be accepting of something like that.”
Burkhead also posted about Hoffman. “Love you, buddy. Tell Jesus we say hello.”