New York Jets' Qwan’tez Stiggers taken to hospital after collapsing in joint practice

New York Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers was taken to a hospital by ambulance after briefly losing consciousness during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday, the team said. Jets coach Aaron Glenn said the 24-year-old was conscious and talking on the field before being placed on a stretcher and taken for further examination.

There was no immediate word on Stiggers’ condition, but Glenn indicated the cornerback was recovering well. "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. "But for the most part, he was good."

Glenn said the incident occurred during special teams drills and that Stiggers came to the sideline before collapsing. "He actually fell out," Glenn said. "The good thing is, he was conscious. Our guys did a hell of a job, just like most medical staffs around this league do in situations like that, and they took the necessary steps just to make sure that we do everything we can to be on board when it comes to those situations."

Several Jets teammates took a knee near the sideline and others formed a prayer circle after Stiggers collapsed, and after several minutes he was placed on a stretcher and carried into the ambulance as fans seated near the area clapped in support. "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." Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips added: "What’s been shared to us is things are on the up and up."

Practice resumed after a stoppage of 10 minutes while Stiggers was being attended to.

Stiggers is entering his third season with the Jets after being a fifth-round draft pick in 2024. He had no college football experience and was the first player drafted directly from the CFL since Miami took Jermaine Haley in 1999; in 29 games, including five starts, with New York Stiggers has 35 tackles, two fumble recoveries and three passes defensed, and he is also one of the Jets’ top special teams players.

Glenn said he planned to check on Stiggers after practice, reiterating: "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."