New York Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers is recovering at home after being released from the hospital late Tuesday, according to team announcements reported by outlets including the New York Times and Reuters. Stiggers, 24, collapsed on the sideline and was transported off the practice field in an ambulance during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Hospital Discharge and Recovery Timeline
Stiggers spent only a few hours at a local hospital after passing out on the sideline following a play during practice, according to the New York Times. Jets coach Aaron Glenn stated that Stiggers was conscious and able to speak before medical personnel administered an IV, placed him on a stretcher, and loaded him into an ambulance. Veteran defensive tackle Harrison Phillips told reporters after the session that information shared within the team indicated “things are on the up and up,” as reported by the New York Times.
Team Response and Practice Interruption
Medical staff halted practice for roughly 10 minutes to attend to the cornerback, according to Reuters. Coach Glenn praised the medical response, stating, “Our guys did a helluva job,” and noting that staff took necessary steps to handle the emergency properly. Running back Breece Hall described the scene as emotional, telling reporters that players knelt and offered prayers while practice paused.
Stiggers’ Professional Football Path
Stiggers enters his third season with the Jets after a unique path to the NFL that bypassed college football entirely. Following high school, he played in the Fan Controlled Football league before joining the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. He earned the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie honors in 2023, prompting the Jets to select him in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the first player in 25 years to be drafted by the NFL after playing in the CFL.
Career Statistics With the Jets
Across his first two seasons in New York, Stiggers has appeared in 29 games with five career starts, according to Reuters data. He has recorded 35 tackles, three passes defensed, and two fumble recoveries while logging 297 defensive snaps and 503 special teams snaps. The Jets are scheduled to host the Buccaneers for their preseason opener at MetLife Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Qwan’tez Stiggers released from the hospital?
According to Reuters and team updates, Stiggers was released late Tuesday, the same day he exited the field.
What caused Qwan’tez Stiggers to pass out?
It’s unclear what led him to pass out, though coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Stiggers came to the sideline after a play and actually fell out before receiving treatment.
How long has Qwan’tez Stiggers played in the NFL?
Stiggers is heading into his third season with the Jets after being drafted by the Jets in 2024.
Did you know? Stiggers is the first player in 25 years to be drafted by the NFL after playing in the Canadian Football League, where he won Most Outstanding Rookie in 2023.
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