A boy with brain cancer who scored a touchdown at a Nebraska practice game is playing football for real.
Jack Hoffman took the field Monday to play center for his West Holt junior high team in Atkinson, situated 179 miles (288 kilometers) northwest of Omaha.
His proud father, Andy Hoffman, told The Associated Press on Thursday that the 13-year-old played every down at center and some defense.
“I’m happy Jack got to do that and I’m just overwhelmed,” Hoffman told the Omaha World-Herald earlier this week. “I’m sad, on the other hand, that other kids don’t get these opportunities.”
Jack was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2011 and underwent chemotherapy. He soon was befriended by Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead — now a pro with the New England Patriots — and drew national attention in 2013 when he ran for a 69-yard, player-assisted touchdown in the Huskers’ spring game.
His family has rallied behind its nonprofit, the Team Jack Foundation , which Andy Hoffman said has raised more than $8 million for pediatric brain cancer research.
