Passaic County man wins $1 million at Jets game in NJ Lottery second-chance drawing
TRENTON, NJ — A New Jersey father putting his son through college walked away with $1 million on Sunday — not from the football field, but from the turf at MetLife Stadium during a high-stakes halftime lottery drawing.
Hector Torres of Passaic County was crowned the top prize winner in the New Jersey Lottery’s “Another Millionaire” second-chance promotion, a contest open exclusively to VIP Club members who purchased Jersey Cash 5 tickets with the XTRA feature during October. His number was drawn live on the field during the New York Jets’ matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Torres, a longtime utility lineman with 34 years of service, was one of 20 finalists selected throughout the month-long promotion. Each finalist received $500 and suite-level tickets to the game — but only one would leave with a life-changing prize. During the halftime show, the finalists descended to field level where a single number draw determined who would go home a millionaire.
Despite the odds, Torres said he had a strong feeling his number would be called.
The father of a college student, Torres said the financial burden of tuition had weighed heavily on him. Working long hours and overtime to cover expenses, the sudden windfall now brings new relief and long-term stability.
Torres, who grew up in Queens and once attended the Jets’ final home game at Shea Stadium in 1983, called the lottery experience a full-circle moment — far beyond what he expected when he walked into MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
The “Another Millionaire” drawing was the latest in a series of promotional events hosted by the New Jersey Lottery to reward loyal players through its VIP Club. Torres’ win adds to the more than $34.7 billion the Lottery has contributed to the state since its inception, with current profits supporting public employee pension funds.
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Key Points
- Hector Torres of Passaic County won $1 million during a halftime NJ Lottery promotion at MetLife Stadium
- Torres was one of 20 finalists selected through the Jersey Cash 5 XTRA second-chance promotion
- The longtime utility worker says the prize will help him cover his son’s college tuition