Chrebet takes high-profile role supporting lottery venture

The New York Jets, the New Jersey Lottery, Gov. Jon S. Corzine and State Treasurer and Sports and Exposition Authority Commissioner R. David Rousseau today announced an extension of their partnership that will now include a new Jets-themed instant lottery ticket and the chance to win several once-in-a-lifetime Jets-themed prizes.

Cash prizes for "Jets Football Fantasy" range from $5 to $100,000 for a single winner. One lucky second-chance winner will win lower bowl season tickets in the New Jets Stadium for a decade. "Jets Football Fantasy" is expected to hit store shelves in early September.

Jets legend and New Jersey's own Wayne Chrebet has signed on to be the primary "ambassador" for this partnership. Wayne becomes the first former player in the league to take an active, high-profile role in supporting a joint instant lottery venture between a state lottery and a league franchise.

In addition to promoting "Jets Football Fantasy" in radio spots, print ads and at appearances throughout the state, Wayne will also host some lucky "Second Chance Drawing" winners at a Jets home game in one of the luxury suites.

Other winning experiences include being "Team Owner for a Day" — traveling to an away game on a private jet, pregame sideline passes, premium seats, access to the Jets postgame press conference and a meet-and-greet with team owner Woody Johnson. Over 400 first-prize winners will receive $300 Jets Shop Gift Cards, redeemable online at www.jetsshop.com or at the brand new flagship store on 50th and Madison Avenue in Manhattan. All non-cash winning tickets can be submitted to New Jersey Lottery for the second chance drawings.

"Partnering with a storied franchise like the New York Jets promises great things," said William Jourdain, New Jersey Lottery's acting executive director, "The Jets have a special place in the hearts and minds of countless New Jerseyans, and we're very pleased to be able to work with them to give something back to their fans."

"This partnership will go a long way toward supporting the many worthy programs funded through the New Jersey Lottery while also giving Jet fans a chance to dream about some great NFL prizes," said Rousseau.

Gov. Corzine also noted that Jets fans aren't the only ones who will win with this new game.

"Each ticket a Jets fan purchases goes to support kids in K-12 education, students in New Jersey colleges and universities, and our state's veterans and the developmentally disabled, to name just a few beneficiaries of Lottery support," he said. "As fans support their favorite team, they provide support for young and old New Jerseyans alike in communities throughout the Garden State."

"We are excited to partner with New Jersey Lottery to offer our fans not only a chance at winning substantial monetary prizes but unique Jets experiences not offered anywhere else," said Matt Higgins, the Jets' executive vice president of business operations. "We're pleased that Wayne Chrebet will be the first former player in the league to support such a program, helping to generate excitement and interest in what is also the first NFL-themed instant ticket launched in New Jersey.

"Although the tickets will be sold throughout the state, fans won't have to travel far to give the game a try — the Lottery has arranged for Jets Football Fantasy to be available at the Meadowlands on gamedays."

"Calling New Jersey home and being a member of the Jets family, I think this is a natural fit for me," said Chrebet. "I hope Jets fans see a lot of winning this year with the Jets Football Fantasy Instant Ticket and on the field, too, with new head coach Rex Ryan."

Cash prizes for "Jets Football Fantasy" range from $5 to $100,000 for a single winner. One lucky second-chance winner will win lower bowl season tickets in the New Jets Stadium for a decade.

Thanks to ed for the tip.