During last year’s FIFA World Cup, goalkeeper Tim Howard became the main attraction for the U.S. Soccer team by preventing  a record number of shots from scoring; entering the records books as the goalie with the most single game saves in Cup history. The ‘Secretary of Defense’ has returned to the National team, along with his regular gig as goalkeeper for the Premiere League’s Everton in the U.K. The respected athlete put valuable time aside for a good cause by joining el Jimador‘s “Your Shot at $1 Million” program.

Sweepstakes winners Andy Acton of Rochester, NY, Dana Elaine of Philadelphia, PA, Bryce Pigott, Matt Gold of Denver, CO and Alex Varela of Dallas, TX.

Five sweepstakes winners were given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a penalty shot against Howard, and then a shot for the chance to win $1 million dollars.

Bryce Pigott, from Gilbert, Arizona, receives $20,000. from Ed Carias, Senior Brand Manager, el Jimador, after he successfully kicked a penalty shot

One participant managed to score and win the initial $20,000. prize, while Howard’s charity partner the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome, prevailed as the ultimate winner collecting $105,000 in funds raised for the organization.

Howard started his professional career in 1998 with New York MetroStars. His appearances soon attracted the attention of Manchester United, who signed him in 2003. After initial success he went on to Everton, the team he has played for since 2006.

Howard is the most capped goalkeeper of all-time for the United States with over 100 caps since his debut in 2002. He started all of the United States’ games at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. The team reached the Round of 16 on both occasions, and during the latter Howard set a World Cup record for most saves in a match with 15. He is author of The Keeper, published in 2014, which describes his career and his life with Tourette syndrome and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). We joined Howard in New York City, during the ‘Your Shot at a Million’ final round .

HOMBRE: How did the relationship with el Jimador come about?
Tim Howard: We identified each other. They are about excellence, and soccer, and the community and I feel those are values I have as well, values we share. Ever since we have the partnership we’re just having a bunch of fun. Getting people in the community excited about soccer is such a lifestyle. You saw today, there was money at stake but everyone had fun. I enjoy the partnership

Faith W. Rice, Executive Director of the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome

H: How did you choose the charity to support?
TH: The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome is one that is dear to me. We struck up a relationship about 15 years ago when I first turned pro here in New York. They’re just great at raising money for research and I’ve just been able to help in raising awareness. It’s nice to raise some money for the charity so that there are a lot of programs that help a lot of families. Particularly families that have newly diagnosed children. We give them hope and let them know they have a place to turn.

H: You played with New York’s MetroStars at the beginning of your career, how does it feel to be back New York?
TH: I love being home. I’m a New Jersey boy and the stadium (Red Bull Arena) we played in last night that was just a dream when I was here. We used to play at Giants Stadium and they talked about having a new stadium. But it never happened, and being able to play there is literally a dream come true. I love this city. I don’t want to go home! I have to go back to England tonight but its a blessing to be here.

H: How is it going with Everton?
TH: It’s great. It’s my tenth year. That to me is my family. It’s an amazing club for all the right reasons. When you talk about world football we have a lot of good people in place and a brilliant manager in Roberto Martinez. He drives us.

H: You’ve achieved so much in your career, what advice can you offer on success?
TH: I always say I’m a young man who started playing soccer because I enjoyed it. My mom said get out of the house and go play, and ever since then it’s just become a passion. I think you have to work hard, but you have to enjoy it. A lot of people say that but it’s the truth. When I look at the guys I play with, those are the two things we do. We work our tails off, but we have fun doing it. I’m 36 but I was doing that at 6 as well.

Tim Howard with HOMBRE Magazine’s Francisco Romeo