Jack Hoffman, one of the Nebraska football program’s biggest fans and someone that numerous players, coaches and fans all around the country have called a “beacon of hope” passed away from cancer this week. The news comes after reports late last month that the young man, who has battled the disease for over a decade, had seen his health take a turn and that his family was reviewing options.
An organization established in Jack Hoffman’s name, The Team Jack Foundation confirmed he died Wednesday morning at 19 years old. Beyond confirming the terrible news, the organization has declined to make a statement.
Jack catapulted into the national spotlight when then head coach Bo Pelini allowed Hoffman - who was just 7-years-old and already battling brain cancer - to participate in the 2013 Nebraska Football Spring Game with a very special carry for a long touchdown. It was a run that captured hearts, eventually springboarding him into meeting President Barack Obama, winning an ESPY for “Best Moment” of the year and most importantly; drawing attention to pediatric brain cancer.
Nebraska football superfan Jack Hoffman dies at 19
2013 was also the year that Team Jack was founded and in the decade+ since, the organization has raised more than $12 million for research into developing new treatments for pediatric brain cancer patients.
In December, Team Jack posted on Facebook that Hoffman's latest scans revealed he had "multiple tumor locations."
Services for the Nebraska football superfan who will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Atkinson, Nebraska. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church. The funeral service will be Saturday, Jan. 18, at 10:30 a.m. at the Atkinson Community Center.