60 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com MAY | JUNE 2018 By Deb Silverthorn  The Team Jack Foundation scored a touchdown at Plano’s Clark Field and Plano Sports Authority (PSA) II when more than 350 children and adults participated in the Second Annual Team Jack Trifecta chaired by New England Patriots running back Rex Bur- khead.  The day-long festivities of sports and auction raised nearly $70,000, bringing the total raised by Team Jack for pediatric brain cancer research to more than $5 million.   Rex Burkhead, the former Cincinnati Bengal and current New En- gland Patriot, returned to his former home field at Clark Field for the day’s events. Rex, who graduated from Plano Senior High School in 2009, says his hero is Jack Hoffman, a 12-year-old boy fighting pedi- atric brain cancer. After a magical meeting in 2013, they have been connected by their hearts, families and a mission.    While recovering from a brain tumor surgery, Jack requested lunch and a tour of the Nebraska Cornhuskers facilities. When Rex offered to take the Hoffman family around, he couldn’t have known the im- pact that family would have on him, or he on them and every other child ever destined to fight his same battle.  “Jack, and all the kids like him, deserve our all,” said Rex, who as a child played for the Plano Football League and Plano Sports Au- thority leagues.  The Team Jack events were chaired by Rex, his wife Danielle, his parents Robyn and Rick and his brother Ryan.  “I look around, and I couldn’t be prouder of the people in the town I love, helping the young man I’ve come to love.  This is something.”    “It’s incredible that people from all over the country are partici- pating year-round in backing me up, in backing Jack and kids like him up as we look for hope and a cure,” said Rex. He’s proud to be a part of the fight against childhood cancer and was alarmed when he heard the statistics that each day nine children are diagnosed with a brain tumor, that 30 percent won’t survive, and that only four percent of all U.S. federal cancer funding is dedicated to childhood cancer research.  “This is a team effort in a game we have to win.”  Jack’s parents, Brianna and Andrew Hoffman, Jack and his sisters Ava and Reese are thankful for Rex’s support.  “We’re raising money and awareness, and Rex has been a team captain and leader constant- ly giving us hope and helping in the push all the way.  He's become a friend—really like family—like we never could have known,” said Andrew.    “Rex has rallied the prayer warriors, he’s rallied donors, and he’s ral- lied the cause making it his passion.  His passion is contagious and TEAM JACK SCORES Jackson Jeffcoat (left - Plano West/UT Graduate) and Cedric Ogbuehi (Allen High School, Texas A&M) were among many former North Texas high school alum who have made a name for themselves on the pro fields, returning home to support Team Jack. Photo credit: Lisa Rothberg NFL player Rex Burkhead and Team Jack namesake Jack Hoffman have had much to celebrate in these years together, including Jack winning a “Best Moment” ESPY award when he entered Nebraska’s 2013 spring game and scored a 69-yard touchdown. The two were invited to the White House to meet President Barack Obama in 2013. Photo courtesy: Team Jack Foundation NFL’s Rex Burkhead Wants to Help Find a Cure for Pediatric Brain Cancer