Jack Hoffman, Nebraska Cornhuskers Fan Known for ‘The Run,’ Dies at 19 – Details About His Death
A Nebraska Cornhuskers fan who captured hearts with a touchdown run during the 2013 spring game and earned an ESPY for Best Moment in Sports has died at 19.
Jack Hoffman, the Nebraska Cornhuskers fan who inspired millions with his courage and determination, has passed away at 19 after a long battle with brain cancer. The Team Jack Foundation, founded by his family to support pediatric brain cancer research, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement on its official X account.
Jack was born on September 26, 2005, in the small town of Atkinson, Nebraska, to his mother, Bri, and father, Andy Hoffman. Andy, a devoted advocate for his son’s journey, passed away in 2021 after battling glioblastoma.
Jack was passionate about sports, biking, fishing, hunting, and cheering on the Cornhuskers. In 2010, for his fifth birthday, his parents took him to his first Nebraska football game. They bought him a Rex Burkhead No. 22 jersey for the occasion, which began Jack’s admiration for the star player and the team.
In April 2011, Jack was diagnosed with a brain tumor after suffering a life-threatening seizure. The tumor caused secondary epilepsy, leading to frequent partial seizures, at times up to 11 per day. To manage the seizures, Jack was placed on multiple anti-seizure medications, which helped reduce their frequency but came with side effects.
Despite these treatments, Jack continued to experience occasional complex partial seizures, requiring close monitoring by his medical team.
In September 2011, just before a critical brain surgery, Jack met his favorite player, Rex. The meeting, arranged after Jack’s family contacted the University of Nebraska, began a strong and meaningful friendship.
Rex Burkhead sits with his Nebraska Cornhuskers teammates at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, on September 22, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
During their first meeting, Jack gave Rex a bracelet, which Rex immediately put on. He later asked for more bracelets to share with his teammates. Rex wore the bracelet during Nebraska’s game against Ohio State on October 8, 2011, just two days before Jack’s surgery.
The game was unforgettable. Nebraska trailed 27-6 in the third quarter but pulled off the largest comeback in school history, winning 34-27. Rex rushed for 96 of his 119 yards and scored two key touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Rex Burkhead of the Nebraska Cornhuskers powers through linebacker Etienne Sabino of the Ohio State Buckeyes in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 8, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
During the broadcast, ABC announcers shared Jack’s story with viewers across the country, bringing attention to his fight against pediatric brain cancer.
Jack’s now late father, Andy, reflected on the significance of the ABC broadcast. “The friendship is great, the awareness is great and we’ve talked about how he’s helped us further the cause of this disease with the prayer and support,” Andy said.
The broadcast’s timing was especially meaningful for Andy, as it aired just before Jack’s critical surgery. He saw it as a nationwide show of support for Jack, likening it to a collective prayer request during a crucial time in their lives.
Two years later, during the 2013 Nebraska spring game, Jack’s courage and love for the Huskers were showcased when he ran 69 yards for a touchdown after taking a handoff from quarterback Taylor Martinez.
The moment, celebrated by fans and players alike as “The Run,” earned him an ESPY Award for Best Moment in Sports and raised significant awareness about childhood brain cancer.
Jack Hoffman onstage with his trophy at the 2013 ESPY Awards on July 17, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Beyond this iconic moment, Jack and his family focused on advocacy. The Team Jack Foundation, founded to fund research for pediatric brain cancer, has raised millions of dollars, reflecting the Hoffmans’ determination to make a difference.
Jack lived his life with gratitude and resilience, graduating from West Holt High School in May 2024 and pursuing pre-law studies at the University of Nebraska-Kearney while continuing his cancer treatments.
Even as his tumor grew aggressively, Jack remained a beacon of hope and strength, inspiring countless individuals and highlighting the urgent need for a cure.
Following the announcement of Jack’s death on social media, the Nebraska Huskers shared their condolences on X, honoring his impact on the Huskers and the community.
“We are heartbroken by his loss and send all our love to the Hoffman family,” the Nebraska Huskers statement partly read.
Jack will forever be remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the power of community, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and advocate for a brighter future.
