The head coach was Ed McCaffrey, the father of former Stanford star Christian McCaffrey one of Hoffpauirs best friends. Submit your request today and a dedicated member of the Concussion Legacy Foundation team will be happy to assist you. Former Centennial, Stanford multi-sport athlete Zach Hoffpauir dies at 26, Zach Hoffpauir remembered for compassion, friendship during powerful celebration of life, Family donates former Centennial, Stanford athlete Zach Hoffpauir's brain for CTE research, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. He always said 'hashtag CTE'.". Zach Hoffpauirs legacy undoubtedly lives on in the example he set for how to treat others. At the Centennial event, Doug refused to let the pain of his familys loss and the communitys loss bring down this night of celebration. /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. Like a modern-day Jim Thorpe or local Bo Jackson, Hoffpauir refused to stick to one sport: After graduating from Centennial High School, he excelled in baseball and football at Stanford University. 128 to our projected No. 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. More Videos Grabill has interned as a photographer with McGaw YMCA Camp Echo and Phoenix Magazine. All rights reserved. This fentanyl crap is everywhere, Doug Hoffpauir said. More:Zach Hoffpauir remembered for compassion, friendship during powerful celebration of life, "Zach Hoffpauir touched the lives of each person he met," says Claudia Faust, executive producer of the documentary. Now we better understand why Zach struggled so much during the last few years of his life.. Christian McCaffrey, a running back for the Carolina Panthers, paid tribute . Zach Hoffpauir Death. He was a young, intelligent coach with limitless potential. Although we cannot yet accurately diagnose CTE in living people, a specialist can help treat the symptoms presenting the most challenges. They cheered for her the entire match. 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. All rights reserved. No cause of death for the former Stanford football and baseball player has been released. He had a gregarious personality and we all loved him. It has been 296 days since the Stanford football team opened fall camp to begin . (Photo by Mary Grace Grabill/Cronkite News). Dolores was born December 26, 1932 in Shreveport and grew up in Leesville. 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. In a practice his sophomore year, Taylor saw Zach take a hit so big his helmet rotated 90 degrees across his face. Zach knew something was wrong. The passing of this extraordinary talent was devastating to his wide circle. 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 . Visitation at Johnson's Funeral Home will be held at 11:00 AM until the start of the funeral service at 1:00 PM on . He always said hashtag CTE.. On Saturday, May 30, 2020, hundreds gathered at Christs Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona to celebrate the life of Zach Hoffpauir. He was always honest, protected those he loved from the harshness of the world, and celebrated their joys. He persisted and persevered.. Hug your loved ones extra today. A year ago, the college sports world was stunned after former Stanford defensive back Zach Hoffpauir died suddenly at the young age of 26. He sought advice for personal growth and mentored others. But by the time he was 26, after several concussions at Stanford, his frontal lobe was full of the lesions that are the hallmark of CTE. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } Zach was the type of person who you could just feel the charisma coming off of him, said Justin Sanchez, a teammate of Zachs on the Centennial football team. Normally, Doug says Zach would be able to rebound quickly from things. He was good friend's with McCaffrey's son, Christian, a running back for the Carolina Panthers. More:Former Centennial, Stanford multi-sport athlete Zach Hoffpauir dies at 26. College Sports | After his suicide attempt, Zach began practicing gratitude in a more intentional way. Theres no way to specify when the disease started. That doesnt tell the story,, Friends remembered Hoffpauir for his energy and personality. Doug said the university reached out the day after news broke about his son's death to . He also contracted Valley Fever and meningitis. Out of the limelight, away from the studies and the pressures around him, Zach found his respite and could focus on keeping himself at peace and playing baseball. Their brains should be pristine. Hed be in your heart.. He wanted to help the players succeed on the field, at home, in class and in the community. 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. The news broke last Thursday via an NBC affiliate in Phoenix. The speakers who eulogized Zach had all coached him, played football or baseball with him, or grown up with him. Add a Memory. 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. (Courtesy of the Hoffpauir family), Zach Hoffpauir, right, takes a photo with his family, including his step brothers and step mother. Joyec Ann Hoffpauir Obituary. 197,654 likes. Hoffpauir suffered after his years of playing football. That was his heart.. Football, baseball, basketball and track, it didnt matter. What will the Buffalo Bills do without defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier? He never lost an argument, or a dance battle, and he said what he meant and meant what he said. A University of Northern Colorado press release stated Hoffpauir made a strong, positive impact in his short time there. The pressure was. HIGH SCHOOL. Zach was the hardest hitter, most aggressive player I ever played against, said McCaffery at the memorial. Instead, Zach found his favorite part of football. His playing style for Stanford football was no exception. Shannon doesn't want her son's death to go in vain as just another sad statistic. 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. He was a walking example of how to care for people, a rare soul.. After the attempt, he began finding healing through a combination of medication, therapy, and self-reflection. May 21, 2020. My family wanted answers to help us process the loss of Zach, said Doug. On the field, Zach excelled in baseball and football, and earned All-American honors for both. We were all lucky to know you for the time we did.. The Mystic Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge celebrated its 41st annual ball Jan. 21 at the Raising Cane's River Center. He did things the right way. Search by Name. This eventually led him to getting a coaching job with the University of Northern Colorado, coaching the safeties. Injuries ultimately forced him to retire from playing either sport. 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. Brink, Jump lead No. He was an inspiration to all who have faced adversity. They offered him four amazing years., Im not anti-football, he said. While Zachs official cause of death is an accidental overdose, Zachs mother, Shannon, feels that even this label is disingenuous. Yesterday Heaven gained an angel, and I lost one of my best friends in the world. He always was looking out for the person he could tell was not accepted. This news organization has independently requested a copy of the report from the Maricopa County Medical Examiners Office. He made 137 more in high school and was in on hundreds of others playing running back and wide receiver. It was not meant to be, however, as Zach would hang up the gloves for a final time and head back to Arizona. McCaffrey shared similar sentiments, noting Zachs unique passion for leading the players and honesty about his own experiences. The neurologist who diagnosed Zach with Lyme Disease prescribed him medication to help him stay balanced. Life without Zach Hoffpauir wont be easy for those who loved him. According to his mother, he took a Percocet to help him fall asleep and did not know the pill was laced with fentanyl. No matter where they came from, no matter their circumstances.. This narrowed his choice to two colleges: Arizona State and Stanford. He was a young, intelligent coach with limitless potential, wrote Ed McCaffery in a Facebook post after Zachs death. They passed by the No. Zach also started coaching back at Centennial High. He had a shorter fuse and he snapped at friends and family more quickly. Our prayers are with the Hoffpauir family, though Zach, you are always with us.. Stanford was excellent to Zach, he said. After games, I was like, I dont feel happy, I feel relieved, but then Im thinking about the next one, and Im all stressed out again, Zach said on the podcast Untold with Jordan Simone in September of 2019. The diagnosis helps explain why Zachs mood and behavior changed so much once he left college. Id never seen him happier than in the last couple months.. And so, that was kinda hard, because these are the things that Zach loved, this is where he wanted to be.. 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. "I'll never be the same," his mother, Shannon Hoffpauir, said. Former Peoria Centennial football/baseball star Zach Hoffpauir, one of the greatest athletes in Arizona high school history, died Thursday morning, his father Doug told The Arizona Republic. 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. 3 Cardinal past No. All rights reserved. The disease carries three classic features the CTE triad according to Dr. Robert Cantu of the Concussion Legacy Foundation. Zach did not die by suicide, Doug Hoffpauir said. Send Flowers. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA. Find out how your news organization can use Cronkite News content. We talked about the little things in life and how to never take for granted a loved one. Arizona Cardinals facilities grade poorly in anonymous NFLPA poll, Coin collectors unite: National Money Show in Phoenix features rare currency, Desert Botanical Garden nurtures endangered monarchs and native butterflies at Majestic Mariposas exhibit, Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Kyle Lewis looks to swat injury bug and return to form with new club, Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone usher in new era of Los Angeles Dodgers pitching, Tiger Woods newest business venture opens its doors in Glendale, Hobbs says state will not proceed for now with court-ordered execution, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Inside I was so miserable. Their diagnosis brought immense clarity and a morsel of relief. Two weeks earlier, Hoffpauir passed away from an accidental overdose at age 26. Hed have been out there, messing with everyone, Doug said. Kenneth Manoj expects to graduate in December 2021 with a masters degree in sports journalism. He never played Pop Warner. 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. He was an advocate for people dealing with setbacks. He had to medically retire due to concussions prior to Stanfords bowl game in 2016. Zach didnt shy away from showing his imperfections and struggles. The son of Doug and Shannon Hoffpauir and older brother of Hillary Hoffpauir, Zachary Hoffpauir graduated from Centennial in 2012. I cant take this anymore. Low 42F. Zach Hoffpauir was raw, passionate, outspoken, competitive. At his memorial, Zachs pastor said, Everything Zach did was loud and it was passionate.. One Zach Hoffpauir was unwaveringly committed to his faith and to his family. Though concussions derailed his dreams of playing pro football, Hoffpauir was a member of three Pac 12 champion football teams, played in two Rose Bowls and was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention. Hoffpauir's parents, Doug and Shannon, were recognized The pathology of the disease follows four stages, from I (mild) to IV (severe). He couldnt fight this alone. Learn more about what we do and how to find our content on our broadcast, digital and social media platforms. The loss of identity was hard enough, but Zach also endured his parents divorce, his grandmothers lung cancer diagnosis, and a breakup in short succession after he left Stanford. I'd talk to him for three hours. 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But Hoffpauirs brain was not like that of a normal 20-something. Originally published by The Associated Press on May 16, 2020. (Photo by Mary Grace Grabill/Cronkite News). We wont find out for over a year, Doug Hoffpauir told this news organization at the time. Never miss an issue. He played primarily on special teams in football and struggled mightily in baseball. RELATED STORY The Chelan County Natural Resource Department Former Centennial High School standout, D-backs draftee Zach Hoffpauir dies at 26 Zach Hoffpauir played safety at Stanford and was a baseball player, drafted by the D-backs in 2015. His loved ones wish they could remind him of that one more time. (Photo by Mary Grace Grabill/Cronkite News). He worked hard, boosted morale and was incredibly kind, said Casey Sawyer, marketing manager for the Portland, Oregon, suburb-located Hillsboro Hops. "He loved his head coach, Ed McCaffrey. My dopamine levels were zero. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.. Clear to partly cloudy. Zachs father, Doug, remembers waking up and knowing something was wrong. But as he played through those first three years, he began to feel the effects of playing two sports at an elite collegiate level, while also meeting the academic standards of a college like Stanford. Hoffpauir recently was hired by Northern Colorado football coach Ed McCaffrey to be his defensive backs coach. Despite being an athletic supernova, Zach remained remarkably humble. He told Shaw how he had identified the most important quality in any great coach was not discipline, communication, or any tactical trait. 31 painted near the 31-year-line. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 646th pick of the 22nd round, Zach split time between Missoula, Montana, and Hillsboro, Oregon. 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. He was everything to everybody. In the closing moments of his Untold interview, Zach spoke about the power of vulnerability and opening up to others about what youre going through. The statistical production wasnt there yet, but Zach Hoffpauir didnt need to produce on the field to make an impact on his teams. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 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. 2) Emotional problems, including poor decision-making, impulsiveness and the tendency to lash out. But Im sure, you know, Zachs looking down on us and know(s) that hes been honored.. 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. Zach took the job as a defensive backs coach at NCU. Zachs father, Doug Hoffpauir, said Zach spent his life taking time to connect with others. "People always thought I was the happiest guy, Hoffpauir said on Untold. Fill in some information about your loved one, and we'll generate some text that you can use as a starting point for your online memorial. Talented young athletes often dominate several sports in elementary school and even high school. 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. His death sent shockwaves into the Peoria, Stanford, and broader football community. "I am devastated by the loss," Ed began his social media post. 3,347 followers. Were going to let them do the research.. Hoffpauir was a safety for four seasons on the Cardinal football team, winning three Pac-12 titles and two Rose Bowls. Former Stanford multi-sport start Zach Hoffpauir died on Thursday morning. 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.. Hope Hoffpauir Obituary. 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. Athletically, Zachs freshman year in Palo Alto was not as prolific as his freshman year at Centennial. District co-Most Valuable Players: Holden Butler, senior, Nederland and Angel Valencia, sophomore, Port Neches . So will his legacy at Centennial. Reporter Jon Wilner contributed to this story. He began working locally, working with high school football teams in the Peoria and Phoenix area, including his old stomping ground, Centennial. At times, you just didnt know what you could do to help him. Coincidence? He was this incredible athlete with this strong exterior, but he really was just a big softie, Zachs cousin, Morgan Williams, said. If that day marks the official start to an athlete's season then Zach Hoffpauir has been in season for 296 days. He was a natural at just about any sport he played.. If Id have known the extent of his outlay beyond sports, I dont know if I wouldve said anything. Once again, the sleepless nights began. It made so much sense. In a September 2019 interview on Untold, a podcast hosted by fellow former Pac-12 safety Jordan Simone, Zach estimated he had five or six on the record concussions, and that at least two of them came in the 2016 season. Get Fishing Supplies listings phone numbers, driving directions, business addresses, maps and more. Recently, it was reported that Hoffpauir had CTE, and was diagnosed with the same level of CTE that former USC Trojans and San . A recently-hired University of Northern Colorado assistant football coach died Thursday. The family of Zach Hoffpauir is hoping some good can come out of tragedy. Zach could sit with the lowest of the low and knew how to show up for people. Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Creative Commons. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Related Articles The Moving can be an exciting experience. People sometimes assume they are violent, superficial and emotionally immature. Yep, thats 99 cents for 90 days, with the option to cancel anytime. At Zachs memorial service, Stanford football coach David Shaw reflected on Zachs willingness to speak up to the Stanford coaching staff when he thought change was necessary. 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. July 3, 2015: OF Zach Hoffpauir assigned to Hillsboro Hops from . He detailed how in spring 2019 he attempted to take his life by overdosing on Xanax and Benadryl. Survivors include her loving husband of 58 years, Ivy Lee Hoffpauir, 3 children, Dwayne Hoffpauir and wife Valerie, Kevin Hoffpauir and wife . zachhoff10. Of course, he didnt have everything together. (Courtesy of the Hoffpauir family). After Stanford and the finality of not being able to play beyond college, he struggled with what to do in life, said Doug Hoffpauir. Zach Hoffpauir, left, and Hillary Hoffpauir pose for a siblings photo. At Stanford, Zach thrived on the football and baseball fields. Living at Kimberly Court can seem like living in the most convenient location in Boulder. David Fernandez, Centennial High Schools school resource officer from the Peoria Police Department, tweeted a fond memory: A few years ago, Zach Hoffpauir was back at Centennial mentoringI was standing nearby watching when a young student walked up and said, Hey, whos that?, I replied, Thats who you want to grow up to be.. 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. 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 . Zach's family . All rights reserved. He could walk into a room and light up the room., Matt Rodriguez, another teammate, said, He made plays, he was always talking, he was always clowning, roasting everybody, no one talked trash better, no one was more confident than Zach. "To a point it was exhausting talking to him. One year after the death of his son, Doug Hoffpauir heard from the brain doctors at Boston University. Every day Zach Hoffpauir gave his love and passion to his family, his teammates and the players he coached. The same pressure that pushed him to Stanford is what kept him there for three years. He was the uniter in his family and in his locker rooms. It wouldve been great to see him here, he said. You knew when (Zach) was coming down the hallway. If someone needed a listening ear, advice or a shoulder to cry on, he was there and it wasnt a burden. College Sports | The totality of the damage brought Zachs football career to an end. The university . 2023 Cronkite News. Thats the last thing he said. He went through a suicidal period but appeared to have found peace in the spring of 2020 when he accepted a position on the Northern Colorado coaching staff. The legacy of Zach Hoffpauir lives on forever at Centennial high school. UCLA stuns Stanford women in Pac-12 tournament semifinals In a game against Hamilton, the Huskies retired Hoffpauir's number 31 jersey in an emotional ceremony. Hoffpauirs career doesnt fit neatly into the model usually associated with players who display symptoms of CTE later in life. 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. Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, More than 25 years experience covering NFL, college football and NASCAR. Come (his) 40s, he probably would have had either Alzheimers, Lou Gerhigs disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or Parkinsons, Shannon said, tears in her eyes. Zach struggled with severe depression and anxiety and was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease. The medical examiner's report is not yet complete and does not yet list a cause of death. Hoffpauir was with his father in . And same for the people who went through it with him. Hired in February to coach safeties on Ed McCaffrey's new staff, Hoffpauir coached in the Arizona high school ranks previously. One night of sleep was all he wanted. To the general public, Zach Hoffpauir is just an athlete and coach who died too soon. While Hoffpauir was a star athlete on the field, no o. As he grew up, he would hit socks across his home with a spatula. August 25, 2021 8:12 am PT. Living with suspected CTE can be difficult, but CTE is not a death sentence and it is important to maintain hope. We always talked about living simply when we got older: Hunting, fishing, riding bulls, RVing across the country with @beaukitson (One day we'll do that). Local Sports Things To Do Business eNewspaper Politics USA TODAY Obituaries . And that would have been really hard for Zachary to endure, and to watch himself deteriorate.. It was the first time in a long time that he felt purpose. Zach brought a sparkle to the world that was unlike anything else. Rare two-sport star Zach Hoffpauir dies at 26. Hoffpauir's father, though, stressed to Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News that his son did not commit suicide.