Former CFL player Qwan’tez Stiggers returns to practice with New York Jets after medical incident

Photo courtesy: New York Jets

Former CFL defensive back Qwan’tez Stiggers has returned to practice with the New York Jets for the first time since he was taken off the field in an ambulance on August 11.

The 24-year-old took part in drills on Thursday in a red non-contact jersey, indicating that he is still going through the stages of concussion protocol.

“It’s really good to see Stiggers out there,” head coach Aaron Glenn told reporters after the session. “And that goes for anybody, because I’ve been part of some scary situations in my time as both a player and a coach — to see him out there running around on the cusp of getting back to being on the field, it’s good to see.

“He’s a dang good player, and he means a lot to us, so always happy to see him out there.”

Stiggers suddenly collapsed during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. While he regained consciousness, he had to be stretchered off the field and was taken to hospital in an ambulance for further evaluation. He was discharged that evening, with Glenn revealing that he was treated for a head injury

The Atlanta, Ga. native 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 six-foot, 197-pound defender 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. He has since earned over $2 million USD in the NFL.

The Jets will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers for their second preseason game on Friday, August 21, at 7:00 p.m. EDT, but Stiggers is not yet cleared to participate.