Jack Hoffman, Nebraska fan known for 'The Run,' dies of cancer at 19

ESPN ^ | Jan. 15, 2025 | Elizabeth Merrill, ESPN Senior Writer

[Mean Daddy]

If you're a Nebraska football fan, you're well aware of this young man. He was 7 when he ran for a touchdown during the Nebraska spring game. Ironically, his father died of the same cancer a few years ago. Inspirational story.

[dfwgator]

Reminds me of Tyler Trent, the Purdue student, who they showed during the Ohio State game a couple years ago.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/25039538/purdue-student-battling-terminal-bone-cancer-witness-upset-ohio-state

[KierkegaardMAN]

Bo Pelini, for all of his temper tantrums, had a soft side. Very inspirational moment.

[dfwgator]

Warning: Your screen will get blurry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jmisv1Spck

[God luvs America]

Really sad this kid had to suffer with cancer for so long

[Big Red Clay]

Im so sorry to hear that Jack passed away. I worked with his uncle Mike back in the ‘90s before this all happened. Mike is a former Husker who was a walk on back up nose tackle on the ‘95 national championship team. He was a great kid from small town Nebraska who is a hard worker and who I enjoyed having a beer with back in the day. I feel for that family. Jack’s dad Andy was Mike’s brother. RIP Jack. Your foundation helped save a lot of lives. God Speed.

[Shqipo]

Sad news. The husker footballers from that day should hold pride in their compassionate gesture to this young warrior.

[dfwgator]

Makes me think of the “Iowa Wave” to the Childrens Hospital after the 1st Quarter. Best thing in College Football.

Big Ten has a lot of class when it comes to these things.

[Shqipo]

Glad to hear Iowa still does that. A needed reminder that most people are decent in this world, despite news clippings otherwise.

[dfwgator]

Indeed.

[MountainDad]

RIP Jack. GO BIG RED.

This from a fellow Husker/Hawkeye fan....

[MountainDad]

We go to a few Hawkeye games every year. The “wave” is my favorite part!

[Responsibility2nd]

Not to change the subject, but WHAT were his parents thinking?

[FamiliarFace]

I remember that! It was a big deal here!

[FamiliarFace]

Very blurry. One of the best things I’ve ever watched. Thank you!

[hillarys cankles]

Rest in peace young man………

[dfwgator]

LOL, I enjoyed watching that much more than Tommie Frazier’s run.

[FamiliarFace]

Much, much more fun than Tommy Frazier’s run!

[KevinB]

Hoffman went to Washington to meet President Barack Obama ...

If I had terminal cancer, I think meeting Barack Obama would be pretty far down on my wish list.

[No name given]

Rest In Peace, Jack.