Jack Hoffman, Who Went Viral at 7 for Touchdown Run, Dies at 19 Following Brain Cancer Diagnosis: 'Our Hero'

Mar. 15, 2025

Jack Hoffman.Photo:AP Photo/Nati Harnik

AP Photo/Nati Harnik

Jack Hoffman, who previously won anESPY Awardfor hisviral touchdown runduring a Nebraska football game in 2013 when he was 7, has died nearly 14 years after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was 19.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the Team Jack Foundation — a nonprofit organization set up to raise funds and awareness for child brain cancer — confirmed Jack’s death onInstagram, writing, “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,” the post, shared alongside a photo, continued.

The late teenager captured hearts around the world after a video of him scoring a 69-yard touchdown before the 2013 Nebraska Cornhuskers spring game went viral, resulting in him earning the 2013 ESPY Award for best moment in sports.

The Team Jack Foundation — made up of multiple board members including Jack’s mom, Brianna — added in the post, “Through his battle, Jack touched lives far and wide. From his unforgettable 69-yard touchdown run during the Nebraska Spring Game that captivated the hearts of millions to the countless families who found solace and support through the work of the Team Jack Foundation, his impact will echo for generations.”

“Jack may no longer be with us in person, but his legacy lives on in the work of the Team Jack Foundation, in the lives of the children and families we’ve helped, and in the hope he gave to so many,” the post continued.

“While we mourn his passing, we also find comfort in knowing that Jack is now reunited with his father, Andy, in heaven,” the message read, referencing Jack’s dad, who sadly died seven months after being diagnosed with brain cancer (glioblastoma) in July 2020.

“Jack Hoffman, you will always be our hero,” the post’s caption concluded.

Nebraska Cornhuskers' Taylor Martinez guides Jack Hoffman during his viral 2013 game appearance.AP Photo/Lincoln Journal Star, Matt Ryerson

AP Photo/Lincoln Journal Star, Matt Ryerson

AnotherInstagrampost showed a then-7-year-old Jack running on the Cornhuskers pitch, alongside the caption, “Jack Hoffman embodied what it means to be a Husker every day through his courage, fight and inspiration.”

Jack’s ESPY Award-winning moment, dubbed “The Run,” came after he formed a special friendship with former Cornhuskers running back Rex Burkhead, who most recently played for the Houston Texans beforeannouncing his retirementin February 2024.

Burkhead reposted the organization’s Instagram post on hisInstagram Storieson Wednesday, writing, “Love you buddy.”

Jack Hoffman at the 2013 ESPY Awards.Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

“Only a small amount of the tumor could be removed. The remaining tumor was declared inoperable,” the post stated of the May 2011 operation.

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Through the years, Jack had multiple surgeries before he and his family learned in October 2024 that “his tumor had grown significantly,” the site shared, after saying that earlier that year, “The Hoffmans learned that Jack’s tumor had changed from a low-grade glioma to a high-grade glioma, which is extremely rare.”

The site insisted that despite the October update, Jack had still been “enjoying his freshman year in college [he attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney]” and had “been able to enjoy Husker Football and Volleyball games this fall.”

source: people.com