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Jack Hoffman, who captured hearts around Nebraska football, dies of brain cancer

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Jack Hoffman, who captured hearts around Nebraska football, dies of brain cancer


Jack Hoffman, who ran to fame at age 7 by scoring a touchdown in the 2013 Nebraska spring football game and raised millions to fight childhood cancer, has died after a battle with brain cancer, according to Kylie Dockter, executive director of the foundation named for him.

Hoffman was 19. He was originally diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011 at the age of 5. His fight against the disease inspired the rise of the Team Jack Foundation, which has contributed more than $12 million to support childhood brain cancer research.

According to a December post on the website CaringBridge by Jack’s mother, Brianna Hoffman, recent scans showed the growth of a tumor in Jack’s brain and new tumors in other areas of his body.

She said at the time the family was “praying for a miracle.”

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Hoffman underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy last year after enrolling as a freshman in the fall at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He graduated from West Holt High in Atkinson, Neb., last year and earned a full college scholarship from the Kearney Law Opportunities Program — designed to recruit aspiring law students from rural Nebraska communities.

After his initial cancer diagnosis, Hoffman formed a friendship with Rex Burkhead, a Nebraska running back from 2009 to 2012. Weeks before Burkhead was drafted into the NFL, Jack received an invite to the Huskers’ spring game from coach Bo Pelini.

Hoffman took a handoff from quarterback Taylor Martinez in the fourth quarter and ran 69 yards for a touchdown in front of a crowd of more than 60,000 fans at Memorial Stadium.

The moment earned an ESPY for Hoffman and a meeting with President Barack Obama. Later in 2013, Hoffman served as the grand marshal of Nebraska’s homecoming parade.

He maintained a bond with Burkhead, who played 10 seasons in the NFL. Burkhead served as a driving force for the Team Jack Foundation and was a fixture at Team Jack events.

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“I don’t think we ever envisioned this,” Burkhead said in 2018.

The Team Jack Gala annually raises money and draws attention to the fight against pediatric brain cancer. The 2025 event is set for Feb. 22, with Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins to serve as the keynote speaker.

Jack’s father, Andy Hoffman, instrumental in the growth of the Team Jack Foundation, preceded Jack in death. Andy Hoffman died of brain cancer in 2021.

(Photo of Rex Burkhead and Jack Hoffman: Mitch Sherman / The Athletic)



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Nebraska Game and Parks 250-mile challenge offers prizes for getting outdoors

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Nebraska Game and Parks 250-mile challenge offers prizes for getting outdoors


Nebraska Game and Parks is offering residents a chance to win prizes simply for getting outside and moving, as part of a challenge honoring America’s 250th birthday.

The Outdoor Nebraska 250-Mile Challenge invites participants to log miles through activities like walking, running, kayaking, horseback riding and more using any fitness app. The goal is to reach 250 miles before the end of the year. Once completed, participants fill out a form on the Nebraska Game and Parks website to become eligible for prizes.

Mike Selman, a regular walker at Zorinsky Lake, said the challenge caught his attention.

“I think it’s great, as long as you put in the time and effort,” Selman said.

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Selman said getting outdoors is already a big part of his routine.

“I absolutely love it, I love being outdoors, just the beauty, the nature, the trees, the water,” Selman said.

He said one of his favorite aspects of the challenge is the opportunity to explore Nebraska’s many outdoor spaces.

“Especially here, around Zorinsky, Standing Bear, Flanagan, you got great opportunities and great places to go,” Selman said.

When asked if he planned to submit his miles, Selman did not hesitate.

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“I’ll definitely think about it, most definitely,” Selman said.

Between Memorial Day and the end of the year, logging just over 1 mile a day would be enough to reach the 250-mile goal and qualify for prizes.

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OSU Softball: Cowgirls’ Super Regional Opener Against Nebraska Postponed for Weather

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OSU Softball: Cowgirls’ Super Regional Opener Against Nebraska Postponed for Weather


We’ll have to wait a bit longer to get into the Cowgirls’ Super Regional.

A rainy night in Lincoln meant the teams only managed to get four outs into the Super between Oklahoma State and Nebraska. The game is tied at 0. The weather delay lasted about two hours before they called it.

The game will resume at 4 p.m. Friday and be televised on ESPN2. They will not play another game Friday, as Game 2 will now take place at 4 p.m. Saturday.

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Nebraska lands Georgia OL KD Jones for 2027 class

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Nebraska lands Georgia OL KD Jones for 2027 class


The Nebraska football team added its third 2027 offensive line commitment and addition from the state of Georgia on Wednesday.

Loganville (Ga.) Grayson offensive lineman KD Jones officially announced his commitment to NU this week. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound Jones picked the Huskers over Georgia Tech, Auburn, Kentucky and Virginia Tech. He visited Lincoln on May 6 and is scheduled to take his official visit to Nebraska on June 6.

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The Huskers first offered Jones in April, after offensive line coach Geep Wade had previously been recruiting him at Georgia Tech.

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“Coach Wade called me and offered me today,” Jones told HuskerOnline on Apr. 25. “He has been on me for a long time, ever since he was at Tech. So his interest wasn’t anything new to me. He came to watch me train at school and was amazed. He offered the next day.”

Jones joins safety Corey Hadley from the state of Georgia in NU’s 2027 recruiting class.

“I knew nothing about Nebraska before the offer,” Jones said in April. But now that Coach Wade and Coach (Lonnie) Teasley are there, I know I can trust them.”

Jones had planned to take official visits to all the schools recruiting him, but his early commitment to NU appears to have shut down those visits.

He jones Omaha (Neb.) Millard North’s Matt Erickson and fellow Grayson product Jordan Agbanoma are the other offensive linemen in the Huskers’ 2027 recruiting class. He’s now the 10th commitment in Nebraska’s class of 2027.

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