FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers was transported by ambulance to a hospital Tuesday after briefly losing consciousness during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a scene that halted drills and prompted visible concern from teammates.
What happened on the field
Stiggers, a 24-year-old entering his third season with the Jets, was participating in special teams drills when he came to the sideline and “actually fell out,” according to Jets coach Aaron Glenn. Medical personnel attended to him on the field and after several minutes the player was placed on a stretcher, appearing to receive an IV, before being loaded into an awaiting ambulance.
“He was able to talk and I want to make sure I go and see him after this, just to make sure I’m good with everything,”
Glenn said. He added that Stiggers was conscious and talking on the field prior to being taken for further examination, though there was no immediate update on his condition beyond that indication the cornerback was "doing OK."
Team reaction and atmosphere
The practice was stopped for more than 10 minutes while medical staff tended to Stiggers. Several Jets players took a knee near the sideline and some formed a prayer circle as he received care. Fans near the field applauded as the ambulance departed.
Running back Breece Hall described the moment as "very sad, very emotional," saying teammates knelt and offered a prayer. Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said what had been shared with players suggested "things are on the up and up." Practice resumed after the stoppage.
Context on Stiggers
Stiggers was a fifth-round draft pick by the Jets in 2024 and is notable for having been the first player selected directly from the Canadian Football League, where he played for the Toronto Argonauts. He had no college football experience prior to entering the CFL, making his path to the NFL uncommon and a point of interest for fans and team personnel.
On-field incident earlier in practice
Earlier in the same practice, Stiggers was involved in a scuffle that resulted in a Buccaneers player throwing his helmet down the field. Coach Glenn referenced the earlier chippiness but emphasized the team’s medical staff performed appropriately when the more serious health event occurred.
| Detail | Reported information |
|---|---|
| Player | Qwan’tez Stiggers, 24 |
| When | Tuesday, during joint practice with Tampa Bay |
| Immediate status | Conscious and talking on field; taken to hospital by ambulance |
What officials said
Glenn praised the team’s medical response and expressed a desire to check on Stiggers personally after practice. He framed the situation as one where the staff took "the necessary steps" to make sure everything was addressed thoroughly. There has been no additional medical diagnosis or timetable for return announced by the team.
What this means for the Jets
Beyond the immediate concern for the player’s health, the incident underscores how quickly a practice can shift from routine to emergency. The Jets will likely await medical updates before making any roster or practice decisions related to Stiggers. For a player who has worked to establish himself at the professional level after an unconventional route into the NFL, the team and fans will be closely monitoring any developments.
- Stiggers was stretchered off and taken by ambulance after briefly losing consciousness.
- Coach Aaron Glenn said Stiggers was conscious and talking; no detailed condition update provided.
- Practice stopped for more than 10 minutes before resuming.
The Jets did not release further medical details. The team and league typically provide updates as they become available; teammates and coaches emphasized concern and gratitude for the medical staff’s swift response. For now, the immediate focus remains on Stiggers’ recovery and any subsequent medical findings.
Camille Rousseau, State Correspondent
