Former CFL cover man Qwan’tez Stiggers left New York Jets practice in ambulance

Photo: New York Jets

Former Canadian Football League defensive back and current New York Jets cover man Qwan’tez Stiggers left a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an ambulance on Tuesday.

“From what I know, he came to the sideline after a play and he actually fell out,” head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters.

“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 that we do everything we can to be on board when it comes to those situations.

“He was able to talk and I want to make sure I go see him after this just to make sure I’m good with everything, but for the most part, he was good.”

The 24-year-old was a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft following a standout season in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts in 2023.

Stiggers has played 29 regular-season games with the Jets and made five starts. He has recorded 35 defensive tackles, three pass knockdowns, two fumble recoveries, and one tackle for loss.

The Atlanta, Ga. native played 15 games at boundary cornerback for the Boatmen in 2023, recording 53 defensive tackles, five interceptions and three special teams tackles. He was named All-East Division and became the first defensive back to be named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie since 1998.

Stiggers didn’t attend college due to the sudden death of his father. He started his professional career in the Fan Controlled Football League before making his way to the CFL. He became the first player drafted directly from the CFL to the NFL since Jermaine Haley, who was taken in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, and the fourth player in the common era to be drafted into the NFL with no collegiate experience.

The six-foot, 197-pound defender has earned over $2 million USD in the NFL.