New York Jets defensive back Qwan'tez Stiggers was taken to the hospital by ambulance after collapsing on the sideline during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday. The incident happened towards the end of the session.
Players gathered around Stiggers after his collapse, and medical personnel quickly attended to him. Onlookers observed him receiving an IV before being transported by ambulance. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Stiggers had "passed out" but reported he was conscious and able to talk.
"From what I know, he came to the sideline after a play, and he actually fell out. The good thing is that he was conscious," Glenn stated. "And our guys did a hell of a job, just like most medical staff 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."
Practice Marked by Multiple Altercations
The practice session was notably contentious, with three separate fights erupting between the two teams. Tensions first flared during one-on-one pass-rush drills when Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey and Buccaneers tackle Luke Goedeke engaged in a physical altercation after Bailey slapped Goedeke's helmet.
Later, during a segment involving the Buccaneers' offense against the Jets' defense, a brawl ensued after Baker Mayfield threw an interception to Jarius Monroe. Goedeke was again involved in this altercation, reportedly ripping off Stiggers' helmet and throwing it.
A third incident saw Buccaneers defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson clash with a Jets offensive lineman. The practice also saw Jets quarterback Geno Smith struggle, throwing multiple interceptions.
Goedeke commented on the earlier altercation, stating that Bailey had "called me out in 1-on-1’s and wanted to go against me and lost. And then tried shoving me after that, and 52 [Kingsley Enagbare] I believe came from the side and just cheapshotted me."
Jets running back Breece Hall, who noted he has a "rule" against fighting players over 240 pounds, humorously remarked that despite the fights, it was "a good day."