New York Jets: Former CFL player Qwan’tez Stiggers leaves training camp in an ambulance

A particularly concerning incident interrupted the joint practice between the New York Jets and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday.

Cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers had to be taken to the hospital after briefly losing consciousness on the field.

The incident occurred during a special teams drill. According to Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, Stiggers had initially returned to the sideline before collapsing moments later.

Fortunately, the 24-year-old defensive back had regained consciousness and was able to speak when emergency responders arrived. However, the New York organization has not provided any diagnosis regarding the cause of the incident.

Medical teams quickly took charge of the situation. Stiggers was eventually placed on a stretcher and taken to an ambulance for further examination.

The scene obviously elicited a strong reaction from his teammates. Several Jets players gathered near the sideline, with some even kneeling to pray. Spectators in the stands also applauded as the defensive back was carried to the ambulance.

Breece Hall described it as a particularly emotional moment, while Harrison Phillips noted that the updates given to the players suggested the situation was gradually improving.

A break of more than 10 minutes before play resumed

Practice was suspended for more than ten minutes to allow medical teams to respond appropriately. Activities then resumed.

Prior to this incident, Stiggers had already been involved in an altercation that occurred during the session. Notably, a Buccaneers player had thrown his helmet at him following a confrontation between members of both teams.

This incident cast a shadow over a day that was intended simply to serve as preparation for the upcoming season. Stiggers, however, remains a unique figure in the New York locker room.

Selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, he joined the NFL after playing in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts, having never played at the collegiate level. He became the first player drafted directly from the CFL since Jermaine Haley in 1999.

In 29 games with the Jets, including five as a starter, Stiggers has recorded 35 tackles, two fumbles recovered, and three passes deflected. He also plays an important role on special teams.

For now, however, the priority remains to await the results of his tests and ensure that the young defensive player makes a full recovery.

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