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HomeU.S.Nebraska superfan Jack Hoffman, who gained fame for his spring game touchdown,...

Nebraska superfan Jack Hoffman, who gained fame for his spring game touchdown, passes away at 19 following battle with brain cancer

Jack Hoffman, a Nebraska Cornhuskers superfan who gained national attention for his touchdown run during the spring game at the age of 7, has passed away at the age of 19 due to brain cancer, as confirmed by Team Jack Foundation Executive Director Kylie Dockter.

Hoffman battled brain cancer and faced new and aggressive tumors in the past year before his passing.

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Cancer survivor Jack Hoffman before delivering a drug-free pledge during the halftime of Nebraska’s NCAA college football spring game in Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Jack Hoffman, the courageous namesake of the Team Jack Foundation. 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,” the foundation said in a statement on social media.

“Through his battle, Jack touched lives far and wide. 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. 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.”

Hoffman was initially diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011, and his parents helped launch the foundation to support research efforts to end pediatric brain cancer.

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Hoffman’s father, Andy, was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2020 and passed away on March 1, 2021, at the age of 42.

The foundation has raised over $12.6 million since its establishment in 2013.

Hoffman gained fame during Nebraska’s 2013 spring game when he was invited to run a play in the fourth quarter and scored a 69-yard touchdown, capturing the attention of the sports world.

He developed a friendship with running back Rex Burkhead during this time and even met former President Obama, who commended him and presented him with a new football.

“Love you buddy. Tell Jesus we say hello,” Burkhead wrote in a post.

Jack Hoffman at the ESPYs

Jack Hoffman, left, alongside his father, Andy Hoffman, accepts the award for the best moment at the ESPY Awards on July 17, 2013, at Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. (John Shearer/Invision/AP, File)

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Hoffman played football at Atkinson High School, graduated in May, and was studying pre-law at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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