He was like a brother to our boys and recently found his calling as our safeties coach https://t.co/eNYbQB30fv. Zach's loved ones will remember his athletic accomplishments, but more than that, they'll remember his gentle spirit that gave love to anyone who would accept it. The disease carries three classic features the CTE triad according to Dr. Robert Cantu of the Concussion Legacy Foundation. I just want to feel normal., I walked through his darkest days right by his side, said Doug. Former Arizona State football coach Todd Graham, who was heartbroken on 2011 National Signing Daywhen Zach announced he'd be going to Stanford and not ASU, also is in the documentary, along with Stanford football coach David Shaw and Hoffpauir's best friend from Stanford, Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey. His playing style for Stanford football was no exception. Zach Hoffpauir, 26, died in his sleep, according to a release from the athletic department. District co-Most Valuable Players: Holden Butler, senior, Nederland and Angel Valencia, sophomore, Port Neches . He broke the mold and spent his life helping others do the same no matter what kind of mold they were supposed to fit into. (Courtesy of the Hoffpauir family), Zach Hoffpauir laughs while he holds an iPad at his family's Christmas celebration. He was at the same time: the big brother you always wanted, the life coach you never knew you needed and the friend you knew would always have your back.. Zach Hoffpauir (above in 2014), who played a combined seven seasons for the Cardinal on both the football field and baseball diamond, passed away yesterday at just 26 years old. Hes like my heartbeat.. Its probably what the public will remember him for. Zachs father, Doug, remembers waking up and knowing something was wrong. They passed by the No. He was a natural at just about any sport he played.. He persisted and persevered.. He was good enough to be drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks and played parts of two minor-league seasons. (Photo by Mary Grace Grabill/Cronkite News), That morning (May 13) I went to go fishing, said Doug in a Sports360AZ documentary, Zach Hoffpauir: The Real Story. I got up at 3, we talk a little bit. He hit .258 with 3 home runs in 62 at-bats in Class A ball that summer, then returned to Stanford to resume his football career in 2016. On Untold, Zach shared how a psychologist helped him learn how his sense of self-worth had plummeted after Stanford because he felt he was no longer living up to external expectations. A 30-minute documentary on former Centennial football star Zach Hoffpauir, who died last year, will air Monday on Sports360az.com. Thats the last thing he said. So will his legacy at Centennial. Zach decided to attend Stanford University, where he would continue football and baseball. His athletic talent and intense loyalty were both on display in a chippy series against rival Cal in April 2015. He had so much to look forward to. He was 26. Im done. July 3, 2015: OF Zach Hoffpauir assigned to Hillsboro Hops from . He was 26. He made people want to be like him, be like God and be something more. The neurologist who diagnosed Zach with Lyme Disease prescribed him medication to help him stay balanced. His father confirmed the death to the Arizona Republic but did not provide a cause. I could only speculate that started four or five years earlier.. 31, now painted in the team's red and white above the 31-yard line, that will forever represent everything they believed their son, Zach, valued. On Untold, Zach shared how deep his emotional pain went. Zach Ryan SimonGUEYDAN - It's with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Zach Ryan Simon announces his passing from this life on November 17, 2012. Inside I was so miserable. Details are here, and thanks for your support. Zach Hoffpauir Death and Obituary News - What Happened to Zach Hoffpauir This is a developing story that Zach Hoffpauir may have sadly passed away, according to some statements posted on social media. At that time, McCaffrey and other Stanford teammates returned to the Valley for a dinner on the anniversary of Hoffpauir's death. The speakers who eulogized Zach had all coached him, played football or baseball with him, or grown up with him. No mortal can make the statement that CTE is the primary issue if youre just dealing with emotional problems, because those are so common in society, Cantu said. 3,347 followers. He made me better.. But this time, Zach entered a deep funk. He was a cowboy and a coach, a fisherman and a dancer. The University of Northern Colorado football team honored its former assistant coach Zach Hoffpauir, who died unexpectedly in May 2020. Despite never having Zach as a student, she knew him well during his time there. He was born to Shannon Hoffpauir, Doug Hoffpauir, According to AZCentral, Hoffpauir was staying with his dad in Arizona during the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis. Former Stanford multi-sport start Zach Hoffpauir died on Thursday morning. The totality of the damage brought Zachs football career to an end. Arizona Diamondbacks signed free agent OF Zach Hoffpauir to a minor league contract. Zach brought a sparkle to the world that was unlike anything else. "I am devastated by the loss," Ed began his social media post. On Saturday, May 30, 2020, hundreds gathered at Christs Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona to celebrate the life of Zach Hoffpauir. They went above and beyond, even when he had concussions. I never doubted for a second whether or not he had my back. Hoffpauir passed away on May 14, 2020, and was honored Friday by his alma mater during its game against Hamilton. We, as his family, believed that he could do whatever he wanted in life, said Doug. Zach also started coaching back at Centennial High. He excelled in both and became one of the best athletes in Centennial history. Jaguars won't spend big, but here are five players they could target in free agency, The most memorable pre-NFL draft workouts ever: Coaches, scouts, execs make their picks, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Raiders tag Josh Jacobs, the NFL's rushing leader. he calls my dad and says Im going to fly him out here, hes going to see Dr. Prusmack whos the chief neurosurgeon for the Denver Broncos. I sit down with him for 15 minutes and he tells me I have Lyme Disease. Yesterday Heaven gained an angel, and I lost one of my best friends in the world. The Moving can be an exciting experience. Christian McCaffrey was his best friend. Like so many others across this country and around the world, Zach was furloughed due to the pandemic and forced to return to Arizona. For most his life, Zach Hoffpauir was guided forward by sports. The passing of this extraordinary talent was devastating to his wide circle. Hed be in your heart.. It was compassion, Zach said. He made us all proud all the time. Come (his) 40s, he probably would have had either Alzheimers, Lou Gerhigs disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or Parkinsons, Shannon said, tears in her eyes. The medical examiners report cited fentanyl toxicity as Hoffpauirs cause of death, according to the KPNX report, noting that it was ruled an accident. 2023 www.azcentral.com. The struggle didnt break him, it strengthened him, Burkholder said. He had trouble sleeping as his mind raced at night. Despite being an athletic supernova, Zach remained remarkably humble. To the casual onlooker, it would have seemed Zach had life all figured out. Centennial remembers football standout Zach Hoffpauir, a life taken too soon. Jeb Bush confirmed Thursday ATLANTA Former U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, a lifelong Democrat and the father of Georgia's lottery-funded HOPE scholarship while serving as governor, died Friday. He was a young, intelligent coach with limitless potential. Two Zach Hoffpauir danced well and danced often. Zachs physical and mental health were failing him. If that day marks the official start to an athlete's season then Zach Hoffpauir has been in season for 296 days. May 22, 2020. In a game against Hamilton, the Huskies retired Hoffpauir's number 31 jersey in an emotional ceremony. Cronkite News, the news division of Arizona PBS, is produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. zachhoff10. I would hope that seeing (Zachs) number, sharing those stories, keeping a record here on campus allows us the opportunity to not forget, said Adam Larsen, the athletic director at Centennial. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA. Visitation will be observed on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 from 11:00 am until the time of services, at First Presbyterian Church, 1130 Johnston Street in Lafayette. Low 42F. Dont mess with his friends, dont mess with his family, said Lynn. 3) Psychological issues like depression and anxiety. He was excited about Colorado football and Northern Colorado. 17 UCLA Somethings wrong with me and I dont know what it is, Zach said of his thoughts at the time. He did things the right way. Search by Name. New UNC head football coach Ed McCaffrey hired Zach in February to coach safeties. He recently hired Hoffpauir as a defensive backs coach. (Courtesy of the Hoffpauir family), Zach Hoffpauir holds up a small sign that reads, "Look who's turning 25," on his birthday. He was an inspiration to all who have faced adversity. I didnt coach him as a freshman, but I most certainly knew about him, cause he was the talk (of the town), Centennial football coach Richard Taylor said. Its so sad.. After he medically retired from football and left Stanford, Hoffpauir suffered from Valley fever, Meningitis and a form of Lyme disease. And there isnt anyone who can tell them whats happening. 1 of 2 Zach Hoffpauir (10) participates in a scrimmage with Stanford Cardinal teammates in Palo Alto, Calif. on Saturday, April 2, 2016. Zach Hoffpauir, the University of Northern Colorado safeties coach and former two-sport Stanford standout, was anything but a stereotype. Zach could light up a room like it was nothing, and had this amazing, unique personality. My family wanted answers to help us process the loss of Zach, said Doug. Then came Zachs way out, in the form of the 2015 MLB Draft. Praying for the Hoffpauir family during this time.. 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 . Hoffpauir is hoping to regain his starting position at . It was a tragedy, and a shock to everybody involved. Submit your request today and a dedicated member of the Concussion Legacy Foundation team will be happy to assist you. I love you and your family and I promise we'll make you proud. Hoffpauir didnt start tackle football until eighth grade and never played in the NFL. (Courtesy of the Hoffpauir family), Zach Hoffpauir, right, takes a photo with his family, including his step brothers and step mother. It was the first time in a long time that he felt purpose. zachhoff10. Hoffpauir was a multi-sport athlete at Centennial High School and excelled at a variety of sports, including football and basketball. You dont pass up Stanford, Shannon said. At that time, we didnt bring freshman up (to varsity), but he probably couldve played on the varsity team as a freshman. Zach Hoffpauir, a two-sport standout at Stanford who earned All-Pac 12 honors as a safety in football and played two seasons in the Arizona Diamondbacks' minor league system, has died at age 26. He was born on September 21, 1993, in Glendale, Arizona, United States. The same pressure that pushed him to Stanford is what kept him there for three years. Whatever Zach Hoffpauir touched, he excelled in. He battled Lyme disease, Valley fever, meningitis, depression, insomnia. Doug Hoffpauir is sharing his sons story to shine a light on the effects of CTE and to encourage those struggling to seek help. Hired in February to coach safeties on Ed McCaffrey's new staff, Hoffpauir coached in the Arizona high school ranks previously. In 2011, his last football season at Centennial, Hoffpauir was all over the field as a hard-hitting safety and a red-zone running back finding tough yards into the end zone. Zach knew something was wrong. People from all walks of life were invited to his Peoria, Arizona, service to pay respects and remember the honor it was to have known him. Peter Jelovic, Centennial Highs athletic director, said the school was not yet planning a memorial. But Hoffpauir sustained several concussions during his career and displayed many of the classic CTE symptoms, including mood swings, depression and memory loss. RELATED STORY The Chelan County Natural Resource Department It didnt matter where they came from, how much money they made, what they looked like or what their life experiences were. Manoj, who has worked as a freelance videographer for Riccio Productions, ZAP Entertainment and Harvard University, is working in the Phoenix Sports Bureau. Joyce Ann Hoffpauir. Zach knew something was wrong. I cant take this anymore. Reverend Zach Sasser, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, will officiate. Mostly he loved sharing his life and experiences with our players, who he was born to mentor. January 28, 2016: OF Zach Hoffpauir retired. The next play, the next at-bat, the next game, the next sport, the next season. Hoffpauir helped coach football at Anthem Boulder Creek last season with Beau Kitson, one of his close friends. Zach's family . Rare two-sport star Zach Hoffpauir dies at 26. 6 Stanford over Oregon to reach Pac-12 semis, Former Stanford, Cal MBB coach Mike Montgomery says schools are not keeping up with college changes, Stanford women: Brink, Jones power No. He detailed how in spring 2019 he attempted to take his life by overdosing on Xanax and Benadryl. The family does not expect results from the local autopsy for two or three months and the CTE study will likely take a year or more. Hoffpauir was known as a hard hitter and suffered at least five documented concussions before medically retiring from football in 2016. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. He was the uniter in his family and in his locker rooms. Zach Hoffpauir was a multi-sport athlete at Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona before becoming an all-conference defensive back and outfielder for Stanford University. Its startling to see. McCaffrey, 23, on Friday posted a picture of Hoffpauir on Instagram with the message, "Yesterday, Heaven gained an angel, and I lost one of my best friends in the world. 3 Cardinal past No. Zach had previously detailed some of his experiences with depression, which can be a symptom of chronic traumatic encephalopathy the degenerative brain disease linked to head trauma in football and other sports. I have nothing else to give.. A University of Northern Colorado press release stated Hoffpauir made a strong, positive impact in his short time there. They played football together at Stanford. Zach Hoffpauir, a former Peoria Centennial and Stanford football safety, died last Thursday at the age of 26. Hoffpauir died on May 14 . Zachs loved ones will remember his athletic accomplishments, but more than that, theyll remember his gentle spirit that gave love to anyone who would accept it. Here is the All-District 38-4A boys soccer team, as selected by the league's coaches. His junior year, Hoffpauir earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention as a safety in football and as a right fielder in baseball. He couldnt fight this alone. But Im sure, you know, Zachs looking down on us and know(s) that hes been honored.. 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. Northern Colorado assistant coach Zach Hoffpauir has died, the program has announced. If it was not for his close friend and former football teammate at Stanford, Christian McCaffery, Zach may have never learned the real source for all of his mental health issues. I was totally at peace with it, Doug Hoffpauir said Monday. Photos courtesy Stanford University. In four seasons at Stanford, Zach amassed 102 total tackles. Just imagine what Zachs parents are going through, said Dr. Ann McKee, Director of the VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank, in a 2021 documentary from Sports360AZ about Zachs life. I dont want to act and feel this way. At his memorial, Zachs pastor said, Everything Zach did was loud and it was passionate.. And that would have been really hard for Zachary to endure, and to watch himself deteriorate.. HIGH SCHOOL. Local Sports Things To Do Business eNewspaper Politics USA TODAY Obituaries Travel. 2023 Cronkite News. His natural athletic talent led him to success at Centennial High School in Arizona, Stanford and a brief stint with a Minor League Baseball team.