He left baseball and returned to football, in February landing an assistant coach job at the up-and-coming University of Northern Colorado, coached by Ed McCaffreya former pro and father of current NFL star Christian McCaffrey, Hoffpauirs close friend and former Stanford teammate. He was named Beat Writer of the Year in 2013 by the Football Writers Association of America for his coverage of the Pac-12, won first place for feature writing in 2016 in the Associated Press Sports Editors writing contest and is a five-time APSE honoree. Fiorentina captain Davide Astori, a defender who has also been capped by Italy 14 times, has died, the club EDMONTON A Edmonton homeless man whose spontaneous piano performance was viewed on theinternetby millions ofpeople has died. He worked hard, boosted morale and was incredibly kind, said Casey Sawyer, marketing manager for the Portland, Oregon, suburb-located Hillsboro Hops. Jayden Sormani expects to graduate December 2021 with a bachelors degree in sports journalism. After his suicide attempt, Zach began practicing gratitude in a more intentional way. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images. (Photo by Mary Grace Grabill/Cronkite News). In the documentary, Hoffpauirs mother described a world in which her son lived into middle age. Hoffpauir played two seasons of minor league ball, in 2015 and 2018, hitting .224 with three homers and nine RBIs in 107 at-bats in rookie and Class-A ball. Glendale native Zach Hoffpauir, who played baseball and football at Stanford University after a brilliant athletic career at Centennial High School, died in his sleep May 15. On Saturday, May 30, 2020, hundreds gathered at Christs Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona to celebrate the life of Zach Hoffpauir. (Courtesy of the Hoffpauir family), Zach Hoffpauir, center, smiles for a photo with his mother, Shannon, right, and sister Hillary. Support the Hotline: Receive three months of unlimited access for just 99 cents. Hoffpauir was a two-sport athlete at Stanford: a defensive back who was named honorable-mention all-conference and an outfielder selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 22nd round of the 2015 MLB draft. Reporter Jon Wilner contributed to this story. PEORIA - It was a moment of celebration but also melancholy as Doug and Shannon Hoffpauir led a crowd to the middle of the Centennial High School football field. His playing style for Stanford football was no exception. Zach Hoffpauir, who died at 26 and was perhaps the greatest football player to come out of Centennial, will have his No. His death revealed the extent of his care toward others. The doctors said he was just vulnerable, Doug Hoffpauir said. At Stanford, Hoffpauir played safety in football and was a star baseball player. But as much of a light as he was for others, Zach Hoffpauir struggled to find his way out of his own darkness. We wont find out for over a year, Doug Hoffpauir told this news organization at the time. Stanford safety Zach Hoffpauir (10) had 99 tackles in his Stanford career. christianmccaffrey. In high school, in addition to starring in two sportsand, of course, playing both offense (wide receiver, quarterback, running back) and defensehe became known as a charismatic leader. Family. Zach's family . Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. This documentary sets the story straight and expands on Zach's journey from childhood to mental health struggles in adulthood to the lasting impact he had on. We remember things through stories, and we forget things when we take down the things that mean so much to us, we cant tell those stories anymore. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in elementary education and minors in teaching English as a second language and sociology. He was a natural at just about any sport he played.. But he never did it from a place of superiority. It didnt kill former Stanford football player Zach Hoffpauir, who died accidentally in May 2020 when he unknowing took Percocet that had been laced with fentanyl. Life without Zach Hoffpauir wont be easy for those who loved him. They went above and beyond, even when he had concussions. This news organization has independently requested a copy of the report from the Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office. Search by Name. He died on May 14, 2020. I am devastated by the loss of Zach Hoffpauir, a friend to me and my family since his playing days with my son Christian at Stanford. Zach also set an important precedent by talking about his own struggles with mental health and encouraging others to seek help in their darkest hours. Christian McCaffrey, a running back for the Carolina Panthers, paid tribute . People sometimes assume they are violent, superficial and emotionally immature. "It was riddled with CTE lesions.". They passed by the No. That research will be valuable to future generations. The statistical production wasnt there yet, but Zach Hoffpauir didnt need to produce on the field to make an impact on his teams. The University of Northern Colorado football team honored its former assistant coach Zach Hoffpauir, who died unexpectedly in May 2020. Theres no way to specify when the disease started. He taught me how to not give a fuck about what people think about me, and to do it my way. He had 11 rushing touchdowns and 59 tackles, eight for losses, and six interceptions, making The Arizona Republic's All-Arizona team. What will the Buffalo Bills do without defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier? He made his return to baseball in 2018, once more splitting time between Montana and Oregon. Then, COVID came. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. "I am devastated by the loss," Ed began his social media post. Hoffpauirs career doesnt fit neatly into the model usually associated with players who display symptoms of CTE later in life. Hed be in your heart.. College Sports | Doug Hoffpauir said in the days after his sons death that he was certain Zach did not die by suicide. Photos courtesy Stanford University. Rare two-sport star Zach Hoffpauir dies at 26, By Tom Scanlon, Glendale Star Managing Editor. But within a year, he began to feel the itch for football again. He loved coaching those boys, Shannon Hoffpauir said. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.comor 602-316-8827. People always tell me I was his biggest cheerleader, but he was really mine, Hillary Hoffpauir said. The neurologist who diagnosed Zach with Lyme Disease prescribed him medication to help him stay balanced. A 30-minute documentary on former Centennial football star Zach Hoffpauir, who died last year, will air Monday on Sports360az.com. RELATED STORY The Chelan County Natural Resource Department College Sports | Today at No. Zach loved sports and the opportunities they gave him, but he loved spending time with people a lot more. His athletic talent and intense loyalty were both on display in a chippy series against rival Cal in April 2015. Hoffpauir left Stanford in 2015 after being taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 22nd round of the MLB draft and played a minor league season that summer. Cavness, expressed the same feeling in his eulogy. If that day marks the official start to an athlete's season then Zach Hoffpauir has been in season for 296 days. Our prayers are with the Hoffpauir family, though Zach, you are always with us.. Sharon "Teda" Hoffpauir A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, 11 a.m., at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church for Sharon "Teda" Hoffpauir, 66, who died Thursday, June 23, 2022 in Crowley, La, surrounded by her loving family. Hoffpauir and McCaffrey were teammates at Stanford. Faust's team accumulated 15 hours of footage to put into the 30-minute documentary that not only includes interviews from his parents Shannon and Doug, but insight from Ann McKee, a neurologist and director of Boston University's CTE Center on the results of the study on Hoffpauir's brain. The news broke last Thursday via an NBC affiliate in Phoenix. Doug Hoffpauir said Dubose called him and said Zach was an angel and he saved (his) life.. All the concussions he got from playing shortened his career. My testosterone levels were almost gone. Zach, 26, died in his sleep May 15 at his fathers home in Arizona. He would talk to anyone, she said. He was this incredible athlete with this strong exterior, but he really was just a big softie, Zachs cousin, Morgan Williams, said. He then returned to Palo Alto for a fifth-year senior season in 2016. Send Flowers. So much so, that he decided to pack up his bags and head back to Stanford to complete his senior year and have one more run with Stanford. By Tom Scanlon, Glendale Star Managing Editor. His role, while short, was about so much more than just Xs and Os. Zach acknowledged that he felt the weight of those who were rooting for him, those that dreamed so highly for him, and could not bear the thought of letting them down. When, how and why music should be incorporated into a funeral service, How to create a personal tribute to the life of your loved one, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.P. Richardson "The Big Bopper" and Roger Peterson, Making the holiday season bearable during grief. The Mystic Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge celebrated its 41st annual ball Jan. 21 at the Raising Cane's River Center. Centennial coach Richard Taylor always regarded Hoffpair as one of his favorite players to coach because of the way he impacted the team. He began writing whenever he felt anxious, listing whatever he felt grateful for in that moment to ground him. Just wanted to remind all the FCA campers since I couldn't come defend my title . He was a walking example of how to care for people, a rare soul.. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA. The father of Zach Hoffpauir, the former Stanford football player and Northern Colorado football coach who died last week at the age of 26, said the family has donated Hoffpauir's brain to . It didn't kill former Stanford football player Zach Hoffpauir, who died . Bill Melancon officiating. It allowed him to focus on good things in his life, even if those things were having a family or air conditioning. It has been 296 days since the Stanford football team opened fall camp to begin . Centennial remembers football standout Zach Hoffpauir, a life taken too soon. CLF is a Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit Organization, In a September 2019 interview on Untold,, in a 2021 documentary from Sports360AZ about Zachs life. Zach Hoffpauir, 26, died in his sleep, according to a release from the athletic department. No matter where they came from, no matter their circumstances.. Zach struggled with severe depression and anxiety and was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease. He was a young, intelligent coach with limitless potential.. He didn't play football at Stanford in 2015 and returned for his senior season in 2016. Local Sports Things To Do Business eNewspaper Politics USA TODAY Obituaries . Zachs father, Doug Hoffpauir, said Zach spent his life taking time to connect with others. He said his memory wasnt what it used to be, Doug Hoffpauir recalled. Zach Hoffpauir, a former football and baseball player at Stanford, died in May of an accidental drug overdose, according to a report citing county medical examiner records in his native Arizona . He returned and won back his starting position at free safety, and had a strong start to the season before two concussions in back-to-back games ended his season and ultimately, his football career. Normally, Doug says Zach would be able to rebound quickly from things. That was his heart.. She went on to play volleyball at Lee University in Tennessee. ", McCaffrey family hit hard by Hoffpauir's death, The future of the NFL combine: Is there really a chance it could end forever? McCaffery, a running back drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, was told about Zachs condition and acted without hesitation. According to Dr. Ann McKee, a professor of neurology at Boston University, which works with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, the examination of Hoffpauirs brain revealed a startling level of CTE. For a report to come out, Just another athlete who died of a drug overdose, Shannon said. Zach showed me the way when I got to college. He was a walking example of how to care for people, a rare soul. Find an Obituary. I was totally at peace with it, Doug Hoffpauir said Monday. All rights reserved. His father said Zach would have loved the celebration. 2023 Cronkite News. Hoffpauir's parents, Doug and Shannon, were recognized It was a moment of celebration but also melancholy as Doug and Shannon Hoffpauir led a crowd to the middle of the Centennial High School football field. Hoffpauir was a safety for four seasons on the Cardinal football team, winning three Pac-12 titles and two Rose Bowls. Mike Nowels is an assistant sports editor for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. Low 42F. He had depression, anxiety and insomnia. Details are here, and thanks for your support. */. He finally found his direction. For most his life, Zach Hoffpauir was guided forward by sports. He was like a brother to our boys and recently found his calling as our safeties coach at Northern Colorado. Stanford women: Brink, Jones power No. Zachs funeral, appropriately physically distant of course, is planned for Saturday, May 30. Its hard to find people who when youre around them and theyre truly present, said Thorne. The university . The next morning, Hoffpauir did not wake up. No one does. Zachs physical and mental health were failing him. Zach Hoffpauir Death. Tell their story, and publish it online for free. Cognitive deterioration is the hallmark of CTE, and you rarely see it in 20- and 30-year-olds.. He played primarily on special teams in football and struggled mightily in baseball. Stanford ex-player Zach Hoffpauir, who died, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Bay Area weather: After thunderstorms and hail, snow could be on the way this weekend, Former Stanford player Zach Hoffpauir, who died accidentally, diagnosed with startling CTE levels, Pac-12 recruiting: Huge weekend for Cal while Oregon and L.A. schools also welcome 2024 recruits, Mailbag: Kliavkoffs risky strategy with Pac-12 media rights, Pac-12 basketball Hot Seat breakdown: Decisions loom as March arrives, Best of the West: Our predictions for the mens WCC tournament, Predictions for Pac-12 media rights, network partners and expansion. And same for the people who went through it with him. The sad thing about it is that Zach loved this: People, fun times, this is who Zach was. 35: Stanford. Never miss an issue. Last Thursday morning, Zach Hoffpauir passed away at the age of 26. He always said 'hashtag CTE'.". Hoffpauir's father, though, stressed to Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News that his son did not commit suicide. Zach Hoffpauir (10) Free Safety - As a Fifth-Year Senior (2016) Phil Steele All-Pac-12 preseason third team 10 games played 35 tackles (26 solo), 0.5 tackles He taught me how to enjoy life. I am devastated by the loss of Zach Hoffpauir, a friend to me and my family since his playing days with Christian at Stanford. (Courtesy of the Hoffpauir family). Two-sport standout at Centennial High and Stanford, Zach Hoffpauir died last week. Thats the last thing he said. He always was looking out for the person he could tell was not accepted. Once again, the sleepless nights began. Hoffpauir played safety and McCaffrey was a running back. Hoffpauir's father, Doug Hoffpauir, confirmed his death to The Arizona Republic. This narrowed his choice to two colleges: Arizona State and Stanford. A year ago, the college sports world was stunned after former Stanford defensive back Zach Hoffpauir died suddenly at the young age of 26. Zach Hoffpauirs family leads friends on the field at halftime of the Centennial-Hamilton game. He quickly made a name for himself on the Centennial freshman football team. Surviving the attempt led Zach to realize he needed help. He enjoyed horseback riding, fly fishing and vacationing with his family in Mexico, listening to the same music and breathing the same air, his dad said. Shook up about this, Ertz tweeted. 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Former Florida Gov. He hit .258 with three home runs and seven RBIs in 62 at-batsbetween rookie and Single-A ball. Zach Hoffpauir (R) had 99 tackles in his time at Stanford. Photos courtesy Stanford University. In a game against Hamilton, the Huskies retired Hoffpauir's number 31 jersey in an emotional ceremony. 3 Cardinal past No. McCaffrey's father, former Denver Broncos wide receiver and current first-year Northern Colorado head coach Ed McCaffrey, also was shaken by Hoffpauir's death. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert. But Hoffpauirs brain was not like that of a normal 20-something. Jon Wilner has been covering college sports for decades and is an AP top-25 football and basketball voter as well as a Heisman Trophy voter. Whatever Zach Hoffpauir touched, he excelled in.