Monmouth County resident celebrates life-changing New Jersey Lottery win at MetLife Stadium, while another New Jersey grandfather takes home $100,000.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — A trip to watch the New York Jets turned into a million-dollar celebration for one Monmouth County man, who walked onto the field at MetLife Stadium and walked away with a life-changing prize.

Michael Kozuch, 66, of Tinton Falls, became New Jersey’s newest millionaire after winning the grand prize in the New Jersey Lottery’s “Another Millionaire” second-chance promotion during the Jets’ November 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The emotional halftime celebration unfolded in front of thousands of football fans as New Jersey Lottery Executive Director James A. Carey presented Kozuch with a ceremonial check for $1 million.

Kozuch said he arrived at the stadium with an unusual feeling that something extraordinary was about to happen.

“Somehow I felt this was destiny,” he told lottery officials.

For Kozuch, the moment carried an even deeper meaning. His late mother had enjoyed playing scratch-off lottery tickets, and he reflected on his parents’ memory after learning he had won.

“My (late) parents were watching over me,” he said.

The first person he called after the announcement was his wife, Cheryl, who was at work. Kozuch became emotional as he shared the incredible news. His wife excitedly announced to her co-workers that they were now millionaires.

Another New Jersey Winner Takes Home $100,000

The celebration wasn’t limited to Kozuch.

Ron Eils, 83, a retired forklift operator from Pompton Plains in Morris County, finished as the runner-up and received $100,000.

The two finalists shook hands and wished each other luck before the final announcement at midfield.

Eils attended the game with his son-in-law and had his triplet granddaughters cheering him on from the stands. He plans to share his winnings with his wife of 62 years, Audrey, and their extended family.

How The Million-Dollar Opportunity Began

The New Jersey Lottery’s “Another Millionaire” promotion gave eligible players another opportunity to win big.

Players who purchased Pick-6 tickets with the Double Play feature between September 8 and October 3, 2026, could enter their tickets into special second-chance drawings through the New Jersey Lottery VIP Club.

Twenty contestants were ultimately selected, with five chosen each week. Each finalist received $10,000 and a VIP experience at the November 1 Jets game, including the opportunity to bring a guest.

At halftime, the contestants were brought onto the field wearing numbered Jets jerseys. One by one, participants were eliminated from the competition until only Kozuch and Eils remained.

The final announcement determined who would take home the $1 million grand prize and who would receive $100,000.

A Million-Dollar Surprise With Plans For The Future

Kozuch, who works as a project manager for an accounting firm, joked that the unexpected fortune might allow him to retire earlier than planned.

But one practical purchase was already on his mind: replacing his 20-year-old car.

He also shared that the excitement surrounding the promotion had given him something special to look forward to during the 45 days leading up to the game.

Rather than focusing entirely on the outcome, he said he wanted to hold on to the positive energy and excitement throughout the experience.

“I decided I would bottle that emotion, the passion,” Kozuch said.

For one New Jersey family, November 1 will certainly be remembered as a day when an ordinary football Sunday became an extraordinary million-dollar memory.

Congratulations to Michael Kozuch and Ron Eils on their incredible New Jersey Lottery wins!