Jack Hoffman, a devoted Nebraska football super fan, lost his life after a long struggle with cancer on Wednesday, as announced by the Team Jack Foundation.

At just 19 years of age, Hoffman was first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 5 back in 2011. He rose to fame in 2013 when he scored a touchdown during a Nebraska spring game. Over the past 14 years, the Team Jack Foundation has successfully raised millions for childhood brain cancer research.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Hoffman, the brave inspiration behind the Team Jack Foundation. Jack fought valiantly against brain cancer and his journey has touched many lives, leaving behind a legacy of hope, strength, and resilience,” the foundation’s statement on Facebook read.

“Jack Hoffman, you will forever be our hero.”

In December, the foundation revealed on Facebook that Hoffman’s most recent scans showed “multiple tumor locations.”

Here are some key details about Jack Hoffman:

What was Jack Hoffman’s Age?

Jack was born on September 26, 2005, in Atkinson, Nebraska, and passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 19.

Who Was Jack Hoffman?

Hoffman, a passionate Nebraska football enthusiast, became well-known for scoring a remarkable 69-yard touchdown during the 2013 Nebraska spring game, witnessed by 60,000 fans in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Following his initial cancer diagnosis, Jack’s father, Andy Hoffman, reached out to his son’s favorite player, Rex Burkhead, before Jack’s surgery, leading to a meaningful friendship. Burkhead played for the Cornhuskers from 2009 to 2012 and subsequently had a 10-year NFL career.

Later, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini invited Jack to participate in the Huskers’ spring game in 2013, marking the beginning of an incredible journey. This moment earned him an ESPY award and a meeting with then-President Barack Obama. He also had the honor of being the grand marshal at Nebraska’s homecoming parade in 2013.

According to The Athletic, last year, Hoffman underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy after enrolling at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He completed his studies at West Holt High in Atkinson, Nebraska, and obtained a full scholarship through the Kearney Law Opportunities Program.

Team Jack Foundation

The Team Jack Foundation, founded in 2011 after his first diagnosis, was inspired by Hoffman’s remarkable touchdown in 2013. Initially, the effort focused on selling wristbands and shirts to show support for him.

To date, the foundation has raised over $14 million to enhance awareness and fund pediatric brain cancer research.

Jack Hoffman’s Touchdown Story

During the memorable moment in 2013, Hoffman received a handoff from quarterback Taylor Martinez and sprinted 69 yards to score a touchdown.