They say legends never die, and sometimes, even in heartbreak, a story shines so brightly that it leaves a mark forever. In the heartland of Nebraska, a boy with a smile as big as Memorial Stadium’s roar stole the nation’s heart. His journey started with a spring game touchdown. But it wasn’t about football—it was about hope, resilience, and fighting back when the odds felt stacked higher than any banners.

Jack Hoffman wasn’t just a name in the headlines; he was a symbol and hope. Diagnosed with cancer at just 5 years old, Jack didn’t back down. By 2013, he made national waves scoring a 69-yard touchdown in front of 60,000 fans during a Nebraska spring game. This wasn’t just a cute moment for the cameras—it was a mic-drop of hope for kids fighting their own battles. That run earned Jack an ESPY and a visit to the White House to meet President Obama.

But Jack’s impact went way beyond the field. His dad, Andy Hoffman, turned their fight into a mission, launching the Team Jack Foundation, which has raised over $14 million for pediatric brain cancer research. Small-town Nebraska, population of barely 1,200, birthed a movement that reached the entire country. Dick Vitale took it to X with a throwback tweet of Jack’s golden presence in their Gala in 2014 with Nick Saban and Co.

Even as his fight got tougher, Jack kept chasing his dreams. He graduated high school, earned a full-ride scholarship to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and enrolled in pre-law, following his dad’s footsteps. A kid who once wondered if he’d even make it to his teens was now smashing goals like an underdog MVP. But life can be cruel, even to the toughest fighters. Jack’s battle ended on January 15th, 2025 at the age of just 19, leaving behind a legacy that’s impossible to measure. His story isn’t just about loss; it’s about what it means to live with purpose.

Team Jack Foundation posted a statement on their Facebook page. “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.” 

Jack Hoffman’s legacy and impact

When Nebraska’s then-head coach Bo Pelini and Husker alum Rex Burkhead brought Jack into the spring game, they probably didn’t know they were setting the stage for history. That iconic touchdown became more than a play; it was a rallying cry. Jack Hoffman wasn’t just a kid fighting cancer anymore—he was the face of every family fighting that same battle.

Even when scans showed tumor progression last year, Jack didn’t flinch. Surgery? Check. Radiation? Bring it on. He started college, played tug-of-war with his dog Roxy, and cheered on his Huskers like the warrior he was. Every step was a testament to his grit.

Jack Hoffman wasn’t just a kid with cancer. He was a brother, a son, a friend, and an inspiration for Lincoln. His life was proof that even in the darkest moments, there’s light. And that’s something worth holding onto.

Rest easy, Jack. You didn’t just play the game; you changed the life.