Jets CB Stiggers hospitalized after collapsing during joint practice with Buccaneers

Jets cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers collapsed during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation, halting the two-hour session for 10 minutes.

The incident occurred in front of sideline bleachers and a small group of fans during a special teams period, according to ESPN's reporting. Stiggers, 24, received an IV on the field and was taken by stretcher to the ambulance.

Coach Aaron Glenn addressed the moment after practice. "He came to the sideline and he just passed out," Glenn said, per ESPN. Glenn added that Stiggers was conscious and able to speak. "For the most part, he was good," Glenn said of his condition.

Stiggers is a 2024 fifth-round pick who played one season for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL before joining the Jets. He has appeared in 29 games for the team, making his mark as a gunner on the punt coverage team.

Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips spoke to the gravity of the moment. "It was really scary," Phillips said, per ESPN. "It puts a lot of things in perspective. I'm really happy to hear most of the news has been positive." At the end of practice, Jets players and coaches gathered on the field to pray for Stiggers.

The Jets did not immediately release a diagnosis or medical condition. Glenn acknowledged he did not witness the collapse himself and was on an adjacent field during the incident. The sources do not specify the cause of the collapse or the results of Stiggers's hospital evaluation.

The joint practice was marked by escalating physical intensity. Four fights erupted during the session, with Buccaneers right tackle Luke Goedeke accusing Jets edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare of triggering one brawl with a cheap shot. "He called me out in the one-on-ones, that he wanted to go against me and lost. He tried shoving me after that," Goedeke said, per ESPN. "He came from the side and cheap-shotted me. That didn't start practice warm and fuzzy." In an 11-on-11 period, Goedeke ripped off Stiggers' helmet and flung it during a play in which Baker Mayfield was intercepted by backup safety Jarius Monroe. Jets right tackle Armand Membou and Buccaneers defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson also got into a fight, with Robinson ripping off Membou's helmet. Jets rookie defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. scuffled with several Tampa Bay players.

Glenn praised the medical staff's response to the emergency.