Jack Hoffman, the Nebraska superfan, who captured the nation's heart with viral touchdown, dies of cancer at 19 Jack Hoffman, a fan of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team who warmed the hearts of millions after he ran for a touchdown in the team's 2013 spring game, has died at the age of 19 after a multi-year battle with brain cancer.
Hoffman was initially diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011 - leading to the creation of the foundation which supports pediatric brain cancer research.
Jack's father, Andy Hoffman, was himself diagnosed with brain cancer in 2020 and died in 2021 at the age of 42.
Jack's passion for the Cornhuskers football team led to a friendship with then-Huskers running back and future Super Bowl champion Rex Burkhead.
Hoffman's run led to players from both sidelines pouring out onto the field, mobbing him, and lifting him up into the air as thousands in the stands of Memorial Stadium applauded him.
