LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The legacy of Jack Hoffman continues to inspire, as tributes pour in from Husker Nation to leaders in Washington. Hoffman, 19, passed away Wednesday after a battle with brain cancer that began when he was just five years old.
Hoffman is best known for his iconic 69-yard touchdown run during the 2013 Nebraska Spring Game—a moment that united fans and spotlighted the Team Jack Foundation’s mission to advance research and treatment for pediatric brain cancer.
Throughout his life, Husker Nation rallied around Jack as he fought the disease. Updates often came from his father, Andy Hoffman, a co-founder of the foundation who passed away in 2021 from Glioblastoma.
The Nebraska Huskers posted on X: “Jack Hoffman embodied what it means to be a Husker every day through his courage, fight, and inspiration. We are heartbroken by his loss and send all our love to the Hoffman family.”
Comedian Larry the Cable Guy urged donations to the Team Jack Foundation, saying: “Jack was a fighter and brought Nebraskans from all over together for a common goal… Jack and his father will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Jack. You’ll always be our Nebraska champion.”
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said Jack inspired millions and won the hearts of people around the world, adding, “The touchdown run in Memorial Stadium is one of the best moments in all of Husker football history and it helped launch an important mission to raise funds and find a cure for pediatric brain cancer.”
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer reflected: “Jack Hoffman’s fearless love of life and Husker football inspired a nation. While his journey with us on Earth has ended, we will all remember him in our hearts forever. May God give to Jack’s family the peace that comes from a beautiful life, well-lived.”
U.S. Congressman Mike Flood shared: “A life gone too soon, but not without making Nebraska a better place. From his legendary touchdown to the work of the Team Jack Foundation, his impact will live on for many years. Our prayers are with the Hoffman family.”
U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith added: “Jack’s passing shines a light on the countless lives he touched and the millions he inspired. His legacy of courage will continue to serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer.”
Smith also honored Hoffman in 2013 with remarks on the House floor after his ESPY Award-winning touchdown. To date, the Team Jack Foundation has raised nearly $13 million to support childhood brain cancer research.
U.S. Congressman Don Bacon said, “Childhood cancer was brought to the forefront of the minds of millions of Nebraskans and Americans thanks to the life and advocacy of Jack Hoffman. His passing today cuts deep into the heart of our state…Today, Nebraska’s team is #TeamJack.”
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