History of Jack Hoffman in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 17, 2025

Jack Hoffman was an American high school football player who gained national attention for his courageous battle with pediatric brain cancer and his inspiring touchdown run at the 2013 Nebraska spring game. At age 7, between brain surgeries, he connected with the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team and later ran for a 69-yard touchdown during their spring game, a moment that garnered widespread recognition and led to him meeting President Barack Obama and receiving the 2013 Best Moment ESPY Award. The U.S. Senate also acknowledged his contribution to raising awareness for pediatric brain cancer. His parents established the Team Jack Foundation to fund research for the disease. Hoffman ultimately succumbed to his cancer in 2025.

September 26, 2005: Jack Hoffman Born

Jack Hoffman was born on September 26, 2005.

April 22, 2011: Hospitalized after Seizure

On April 22, 2011, Jack Hoffman was rushed to the hospital and airlifted to Children's Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha after suffering a grand mal seizure during breakfast. He was later diagnosed with a brain tumor.

May 20, 2011: First Brain Surgery

Jack Hoffman underwent his first brain surgery on May 20, 2011, where only a small portion of the tumor could be removed. It was then identified as a cancerous glioma.

September 2011: First Meeting with Burkhead

Jack Hoffman met Rex Burkhead for the first time in September 2011, forming a bond that would significantly impact both their lives.

October 7, 2011: Burkhead's Call and Nebraska's Comeback

On October 7, 2011, Rex Burkhead called Jack Hoffman before his second surgery. The next day, Nebraska made the largest comeback in its football history, winning against Ohio State after Burkhead invoked Hoffman's strength.

October 10, 2011: Second Brain Surgery

On October 10, 2011, Jack Hoffman had his second brain surgery, with over 90% of the tumor removed, which stopped his seizures. He then underwent 60 weeks of chemotherapy.

September 2012: Walks onto Field with Team

In September 2012, Jack Hoffman walked onto the field with the Nebraska football players before their game against Wisconsin.

2012: Meeting Rex Burkhead

In 2012, between his brain surgeries, Jack Hoffman was introduced to Nebraska Cornhuskers football player Rex Burkhead, beginning a close relationship with Burkhead and the team.

April 6, 2013: Touchdown Run

On April 6, 2013, seven-year-old Jack Hoffman scored a 69-yard touchdown run in the Nebraska spring football game, garnering national and international attention.

April 2013: Spring Game Plan

In April 2013, plans were made for Jack Hoffman to participate in the Nebraska spring football game, culminating in his famous touchdown run.

April 16, 2013: Viral Touchdown Video

By April 16, 2013, a YouTube video of Jack Hoffman's touchdown run had been viewed over seven million times.

April 29, 2013: Meeting President Obama

On April 29, 2013, Jack Hoffman and Rex Burkhead met with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office.

May 2013: Upper Deck Rookie Card

In May 2013, Upper Deck created a "Star Rookie" trading card for Jack Hoffman, the sale of which raised $50,000 for the Team Jack Foundation.

June 2013: MRI Scan

In June 2013, Jack Hoffman underwent an MRI scan to check the status of his remaining brain tumor.

October 2013: Positive MRI Results

In October 2013, an MRI scan showed that Jack Hoffman's remaining tumor hadn't grown since June 2013, a positive sign in his fight against cancer.

2013: Sportsman of the Year Nomination and Recognition

In 2013, Jack Hoffman's touchdown run was ranked fifth in The Best Emotional Moment in sports by USA Today, and he was nominated for Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

2013: ESPY Award

Jack Hoffman won the Best Moment ESPY Award in 2013 for his touchdown run.

April 2014: Cancer in Remission

As of April 2014, Jack Hoffman's cancer was in remission.

April 2014: Suspicious Spot on MRI

In April 2014, a suspicious spot was detected on Jack Hoffman's MRI, which later proved to be tumor growth.

May 16, 2014: Attends Dick Vitale Gala

On May 16, 2014, Jack Hoffman attended the 19th Annual Dick Vitale Gala, where he signed a trading card for Dick Vitale.

August 5, 2014: Tumor Growth Discovered

On August 5, 2014, it was discovered that Jack Hoffman's tumor had grown.

August 2014: Starts Clinical Trial

In August 2014, Jack Hoffman began a 13-month clinical trial in Boston involving gene therapy.

2015: Completes Clinical Trial

In 2015, Jack Hoffman completed the 13-month clinical trial and stopped active treatment.

July 2020: Andy Hoffman's Cancer Diagnosis

In July 2020, Andy Hoffman was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, after experiencing personality changes and a seizure. This marked the beginning of his battle with the disease.

September 2020: Starts High School Football

In September 2020, Jack Hoffman began playing football at West Holt High School, playing the center position, the same as his father.

December 2020: Team Jack Foundation's Impact

By December 2020, the Team Jack Foundation, established by the Hoffman family, had raised approximately $8 million for pediatric brain cancer research.

February 2021: Andy Hoffman Contracts COVID-19

In February 2021, while battling glioblastoma, Andy Hoffman contracted COVID-19, which worsened his neurological symptoms and ultimately contributed to his declining health.

March 1, 2021: Andy Hoffman's Death

On March 1, 2021, Andy Hoffman, Jack Hoffman's father, passed away at the age of 42 after battling glioblastoma and contracting COVID-19.

2023: Jack Hoffman's Tumor Growth and Resection Surgery

In 2023, Jack Hoffman's brain tumor grew, requiring another resection surgery. The pathology results indicated a more aggressive form of cancer. Despite this, he enrolled in the pre-law program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

December 2024: Jack Hoffman's Cancer Progression

In December 2024, scans revealed new tumor locations in Jack Hoffman's ventricular system, cerebellum, and spinal column, indicating the aggressive progression of his cancer.