Jack Hoffman, the namesake of the Team Jack Foundation who won over sports fans' hearts in 2013 after he ran for a touchdown in Nebraska football's spring game at age 7, died early Wednesday after a 14-year battle with brain cancer. He was 19.
In the hours after his death, tributes to Hoffman flooded social media. Here are some of them:
Rex Burkhead:
Love you buddy. Tell Jesus we say hello.
— Rex Burkhead (@RBrex34)
Larry The Cable Guy:Â
Oh man, Husker Nation will never forget this. It’s one of those “where were you when Jack Hoffman scored the touchdown?’’ If you’re a Husker you know. I was about to go on stage in Oklahoma. Cried like a 2 yr old I was so happy for him. Later was honored to be asked to do a show…
— Larry The Cable Guy (@GitRDoneLarry)
Kenny Bell:
💔
— Kenny Bell (@AFRO_THUNDER80)
Will Compton:
This is heartbreaking
— Will Compton (@_willcompton)
My heart goes out to the Hoffman family and everyone involved with the foundation that have been fighting their asses off to raise money for pediatric brain cancer - all from the inspiration of Jack Hoffman
Rest in peace to a Husker legend ðŸ™ðŸ»
Bill Busch:Â
Incredible Inspiration.
— Bill Busch (@Coach_BillBusch)
The Ultimate Husker!â¤ï¸
Jordan Westerkamp:
Jack’s impact on this world is beyond measure. We love you deeply. Rest in peace..ðŸ™
— Jordan Westerkamp (@JordanWesty1)
John Papuchis:
Rest in Peace Jack. My thoughts and prayers to the Hoffman family. Your memory and legacy will be eternal
— John Papuchis (@FSUCoachJP)
Omar Manning:
Rest in peace to our Husker legend Jack Hoffmanâ¤ï¸
— 5 (@TheOmarManning)
My heart is with the Hoffman family & the foundation. We all appreciate everything you all have done & awareness/inspiration you’ve been in the fight against pediatric brain cancer! Thank you ðŸ™ðŸ¾ ¹ó´Ç°ù±ð±¹±ð°ùâ¤ï¸
Erik Chinander:Â
Heartbreaking news. Great family and a Hero.
— Erik Chinander (@CoachChinander)
Jack Hoffman and other cancer patients participated in the Tunnel Walk with Nebraska Cornhuskers
Photos: Jack Hoffman in 2013
Jack Hoffman meets President Obama
President Barack Obama greets Jack Hoffman, 7, of Atkinson, in April 2013 in the Oval Office. Hoffman gained national attention after he, a pediatric brain cancer patient, ran for a 69-yard touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game.
Rex Burkhead, Jack Hoffman
Rex Burkhead (left) and Jack Hoffman with the signed football President Obama gave to Jack on Monday, April 29, 2013, at the White House.
Jack Hoffman, Barack Obama
The signed football President Obama gave to Jack Hoffman Monday, April 29, 2013, at the White House.
Jack Hoffman and family
The Hoffman family of Atkinson pose for a photo outside the White House were they met President Obama Monday, April 29, 2013.
Jack Hoffman, Rex Burkhead
Jack Hoffman with former Nebraska football player Rex Burkhead after meeting with President Barack Obama in Washington, Monday, April 29, 2013. The 7-year-old, who is fighting brain cancer, attracted millions of fans after his 69-yard touchdown run during Nebraska's spring football game.
Jack Hoffman, Rex Burkhead
Jack Hoffman with former Nebraska football player Rex Burkhead after meeting with President Barack Obama in Washington, Monday, April 29, 2013. The 7-year-old, who is fighting brain cancer, attracted millions of fans after his 69-yard touchdown run during Nebraska's spring football game.
Jack Hoffman throws pitch
Jack Hoffman, 7, of Atkinson, throws out the first pitch for the Michigan-Nebraska softball game at Bowlin Stadium on Saturday, April 27, 2013.
Jack Hoffman Throws Pitch
Nebraska's Brooke Thomason (left) and Courtney Breault give a high-five to Jack Hoffman, 7, of Atkinson, after throwing out the first pitch for the Nebraska-Michigan game Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Bowlin Stadium.
Jack Hoffman Throws Pitch
Jack Hoffman, 7, of Atkinson, throws out the first pitch for the Nebraska-Michigan game Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Bowlin Stadium. Since 2011 Hoffman has been battling pediatric brain cancer.
Jack Hoffman Throws Pitch
Jack Hoffman, 7, of Atkinson, gives high-fives to the Husker softball team after throwing out the first pitch for the Nebraska-Michigan game Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Bowlin Stadium. Hoffman's sisters Ava, 5, (lower right) and Reese, 2, (top right) were there to enjoy the fun with their brother Jack.
Jack Hoffman Throws Pitch
Jack Hoffman, 7, of Atkinson, throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Nebraska's softball game against Michigan on Saturday at Bowlin Stadium.
Jack Hoffman Throws Pitch
Jack Hoffman, 7, and his sister Ava, 5, both of Atkinson, stand with the Husker softball team during the National Anthem before Jack threw out the first pitch for the Nebraska-Michigan game Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Bowlin Stadium. Since 2011 Jack Hoffman has been battling pediatric brain cancer.
Jack Hoffman trading card
Jack Hoffman trading card by Upper Deck.
Red-White Spring Game, 4.6.13
LINCOLN, NEB - 04/06/2013 Nebraska's Taylor Martinez (3) guides Jack Hoffman, 7, of Atkinson, Neb., down the field for his touchdown play during a special segment dedicated to Hoffman during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Memorial Stadium. Since 2011 Hoffman has been struggling with seizures and complications related to a brain tumor. MATT RYERSON/Lincoln Journal Star
Spring Football Game
Taylor Martinez (3) hands off to Jack Hoffman, whose 69-yard touchdown run in the Nebraska Red-White spring football game at Memorial Stadium has been viewed more than 2 million times on YouTube.
Spring Football Game
Taylor Martinez (3) guides Jack Hoffman (22) on the field for a special play in the second half of the Nebraska Red-White spring football game at Memorial Stadium on April 6, 2013.Â
Spring Football Game
Taylor Martinez (3) guides Jack Hoffman to the right spot for his play in the second half of the Nebraska Red-White spring football game at Memorial Stadium. More than 7.6 million people have watched the play on YouTube. Jack, now 8, has battled brain cancer for the past two years.
Red-White Spring Game, 4.6.13
Nebraska's Taylor Martinez (3) and Scott Criss (67) guide Jack Hoffman down the field on his touchdown run during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game in April. Associated Press members in Nebraska voted the play, and the attention it drew, as the state's top story in 2013.
Red-White Spring Game, 4.6.13
Nebraska's Taylor Martinez (3) hands off to Jack Hoffman, 7, of Atkinson, for his touchdown play during a special segment dedicated to Hoffman during the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on April 6, 2013, at Memorial Stadium.
Red-White Spring Game, 4.6.13
Nebraska's Taylor Martinez (3) guides Jack Hoffman, 6, of Atkinson, down the field for his touchdown play during a special segment dedicated to Hoffman in the second half of the Red-White Spring Game Saturday, April 6, 2013, at Memorial Stadium.
Red-White Spring Game, 4.6.13
The touchdown Jack Hoffman (22) scored at last year's Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium helped spark nationwide interest in Team Jack and research into a cure for pediatric brain cancer.
Red-White Spring Game, 4.6.13
Nebraska's Taylor Martinez (3) escorts Jack Hoffman, 7, of Atkinson down the field for a touchdown during Saturday's Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
Red-White Spring Game, 4.6.13 (copy) (copy)
Nebraska's Taylor Martinez (3) and Scott Criss (67) guide Jack Hoffman down the field on his touchdown run during the second half of the 2013 Red-White Spring Game.
