Nj dad scores $1 million at jets game in halftime lottery shocker — money big ID 19059420 © Mytime | Dreamstime.com

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

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News