Normally, a post like this would go up on Good News Fridays. But this video needed to go up now! Jack Hoffman is a seven year-old kid from Atkinson, Nebraska. What makes this kid different from others is he has brain cancer. Last year, quarterback Rex Burkhead befriended Hoffman and is the captain of the support network known as “Team Jack.” Jack was diagnosed with cancer in April 2011 and has had two surgeries. He’s now on a two-week break from a 60-week chemotherapy regimen.
Football operations director Jeff Jamrog and fullback C.J. Zimmerer came up with the idea to get Jack involved in the spring game. Jamrog called the Hoffmans on Friday to tell them the Huskers had a special play planned for Jack. Receivers coach Rich Fisher motioned Jack over on the sideline to show him the play he drew up. Andy Hoffman said that’s when it hit him that his son really would get his day in the sun at Memorial Stadium.
On Saturday, Hoffman wore a miniature Nebraska uniform complete with a Number 22 jersey. On 4th and 1, Hoffman took a handoff from quarterback Taylor Martinez and, after a brief detour to the left, followed his blockers around the right end and down the field for a 69 yard touchdown! Both sidelines cleared as the entire Nebraska team followed him into the end zone and players twice his height lifted Hoffman onto their shoulders. The crowd of 60,174 at Memorial Stadium cheered as Jack celebrated!
Enjoy these videos, this gives you hope that there is still hope in the world!
Related articles
- Hoffman, 7, scores in Huskers spring game (espn.go.com)
- 7-Year-Old Cancer Patient Runs for TD at Nebraska Spring Game (bleacherreport.com)
- Young brain cancer patient scores TD in Nebraska spring game (cbssports.com)
- Boy battling cancer scores touchdown for Neb. team (foxnews.com)
- Nebraska Gives 7-Year-Old Cancer Patient Jack Hoffman Chance to Score 69-Yard Touchdown in Spring Game (Video) (nesn.com)
