A medical emergency interrupted a joint training camp practice between the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday, as cornerback Qwan'tez Stiggers was taken off the field in an ambulance at the Jets' facility in Florham Park, New Jersey.
Stiggers was given an IV while on the turf before being transported, according to ESPN. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn stated Stiggers came to the bench after a play and "passed out" but remained conscious. Glenn added that Stiggers was "able to talk" and described his condition as "for the most part...good."
Temperatures in Florham Park reached 85 degrees on Tuesday, having approached triple digits over the weekend.
Multiple fights break out during practice
The practice session was also marked by at least three separate altercations involving players from both teams. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported the first fight involved Jets safety Jarius Monroe’s interception of Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, which escalated into a melee. A second altercation occurred between Jets starting defense and Buccaneers starting offense, while a third involved Jets’ Armand Membou and Buccaneers’ A'Shawn Robinson.
Jets running back Breece Hall addressed the fights in a post-practice interview, stating, "I feel like, overall, it was a good day. A lot of fights and stuff, but it was a good day." Hall, who weighs over 240 pounds, joked, "if you're over 240, I ain't messing with you."
Stiggers’ background and career highlights
Stiggers, drafted by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, made 15 appearances last season. He became the first player since 1999 to be drafted straight out of the Canadian Football League, where he played for the Toronto Argonauts. Stiggers recorded 27 tackles and two fumble recoveries in his rookie year.
The Jets and Buccaneers are scheduled to face off in their first preseason game at MetLife Stadium on Friday.
Medical staff praised for response
Glenn commended the medical staff’s handling of the situation, noting their swift response to the incident. The team has not provided additional updates on Stiggers’ condition beyond the initial reports.