Jack Hoffman, the 7-year-old Nebraska Cornhuskers superfan who gained national attention for his spring game touchdown run, has died at the age of 19 after a long battle with brain cancer.
Hoffman died on Wednesday due to complications from new and more aggressive tumors that had developed late last year. His death was announced by the Team Jack Foundation, which was founded by his parents to support research efforts to end pediatric brain cancer.
The foundation said in a statement that Hoffman’s legacy would live on through the work of the organization, which has raised over $12.6 million since 2013. The foundation was established after Hoffman’s initial diagnosis with brain cancer in 2011.
Hoffman’s death comes just a year after the passing of his father, Andy, who died in March 2021 at the age of 42. Andy was also diagnosed with brain cancer and was a key figure in the Team Jack Foundation’s efforts.
The younger Hoffman became a beloved figure in the Nebraska football community after his memorable touchdown run during the 2013 spring game. He went on to play football at Atkinson High School and graduated in May. He was also pre-law at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
Hoffman’s impact on the lives of others was vast, and he will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and the community.