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

By Liam Tremblay — 12 August 2026 — 3 min read

Stiggers Collapses During Practice

New York Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers was transported to hospital by ambulance after collapsing during a joint practice session with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The incident occurred during a training drill, where Stiggers briefly lost consciousness on the sidelines. The medical response led to a halt in practice for over 10 minutes.

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Stiggers was conscious and able to speak before being carried off the field on a stretcher for further medical evaluation. Glenn stated, “He came to the sideline after a play and he actually fell out. The good thing is he was conscious. He was able to talk. For the most part, he’s good.” Several Jets players were observed taking a knee near the sidelines, with some forming a prayer circle while their teammate received medical attention.

Running back Breece Hall described the moment as “very sad, very emotional,” adding that players were praying for Stiggers’ well-being. Glenn also commended the Jets’ medical staff for their handling of the situation and indicated his intention to visit Stiggers at the hospital.

Details of the Incident and Stiggers’ Background

Reporters at the scene noted that practice stopped for approximately 10 minutes, during which Stiggers was placed on a stretcher and given an IV. Few additional details were available until Coach Glenn provided an update to the media after practice, explaining that Stiggers had passed out after participating in a play. Glenn reiterated, “Stiggers, from what I know, he came to the sideline after a play and he actually fell. The good thing is, he was conscious, and 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 we do everything we can to be on board when it comes to those situations. He was able to talk. I want to make sure I go and see him after this, just so I’m sure I’m good with everything, but for the most part he was good.”

The practice session was also marked by multiple altercations between the two teams. During one scuffle involving Buccaneers’ Luke Goedeke, Stiggers reportedly had his helmet thrown down the field.

Stiggers, who is 24 years old, is entering his third season with the Jets. His journey to the NFL is considered unusual, as he did not play college football. Instead, he transitioned from high school football to the Fan Controlled Football league before signing with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). In 2023, Stiggers was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie. The Jets drafted him in 2024, making him the first player in 25 years to be drafted by the NFL after playing in the CFL.

Upcoming Pre-season Opener

Stiggers has accumulated 35 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and three passes defended in 29 games for the New York team. The Jets are scheduled to host the Buccaneers in their NFL pre-season opener at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on Friday (00:00 BST, Saturday).

Source: bbc.com