Jets' Qwan'tez Stiggers hospitalised after collapsing in joint practice

New York Jets cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers was taken to hospital by ambulance after collapsing during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 11 August 2026. The incident briefly halted the session for more than 10 minutes while medical staff tended to him.

Stiggers, 24, was a fifth-round draft pick by the New York Jets in 2024 and has appeared in 29 games for the club, recording 35 tackles, two fumble recoveries and three passes defended. He lost consciousness on the sideline during a training drill and was later carried off on a stretcher for further examination.

An immediate medical response followed the collapse, with practice paused for more than 10 minutes as trainers attended to Stiggers and an ambulance transported him to hospital. Team personnel and medics were involved on the field before he was taken away.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn described the moment to reporters, saying: "He came to the sideline after a play and he actually fell out," Glenn told reporters. "The good thing is he was conscious. He was able to talk. For the most part, he's good." Glenn also praised the Jets' medical staff for their handling of the situation and said he planned to visit Stiggers in hospital.

Several Jets players reacted on the sideline by taking a knee and some formed a prayer circle while Stiggers received medical attention. "It was very sad, very emotional," running back Breece Hall said. "You get on your knee and say a prayer for him and hope he's OK."

The practice reportedly included multiple scuffles between the teams; Stiggers had his helmet thrown down the field during a confrontation with Buccaneers' Luke Goedeke. Those altercations occurred amid the joint-session exchanges between the sides.

The Jets will host the Buccaneers in their NFL pre-season opener at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey on Friday (00:00 BST, Saturday). BBC Sport has contacted the New York Jets for comment.