From DoorDash to Jets: Qwan’tez Stiggers Details Unconventional NFL Journey

Third-year New York Jets cornerback and special teams ace Qwan’tez Stiggers has opened up about his unique journey to the NFL, detailing his experiences working various jobs before finding his place on the team. Stiggers, who joined the Jets after a stint in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and with no college football experience, sees this season as a pivotal one.

"I'm really standing on business this year. Like, this is the year where like a lot of people are going to feel me," Stiggers told The Post. He attributes this mindset to overcoming past struggles and a lack of recognition. "So much pain, depression, people overlooking me. I don’t get enough respect for my role. I’m trying to earn respect for really everybody around the league — like gunners, we have a job, too."

Stiggers expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, "I believe I’m an All-Pro gunner. … I got the speed, the physicality, I got the knowledge. You’re gonna see a lot this year."

His journey has been marked by significant personal challenges. Stiggers spoke about the profound impact of his father’s death after a car accident in 2020. "The hard part for me was knowing that he was in the hospital and also not being able to see him. I wasn’t able to say my final goodbyes," he recalled. This period led to a struggle with depression, causing him to drop out of school and lose his college scholarship.

"Dark as if the sun’s not outside. No light in the room, like that dark. I used to just sit in the house, sit in my room by myself and just … just cry," Stiggers described the depth of his depression. He credits his wife, family, and specifically his brother's candid advice for helping him through it.

Before the NFL, Stiggers worked numerous jobs, including pushing carts at Walmart, working at a truck wash called Blue Beacon, and driving for DoorDash, where he earned around $60 to $70 a night. He also ran his own mechanic service changing brakes and oil.

He played in the Fan Controlled League, where he encountered former NFL players like Terrell Owens. "Sticky, man. I’m Sticky," he said, referencing his nickname and his performance against them.

Stiggers also discussed his family's resilience, including his older brother Qwantayvious, who suffered a career-ending spinal injury in high school but went on to receive a Gates Millennium Scholarship. Stiggers emphasized the importance of family, with whom he connects before games. "I got 13 siblings, 11 boys, two girls. We get on a group call, pray right before the game, and I go out there and do my best for them."

He remains motivated by his faith, family, and the desire to represent those facing similar struggles. "I do it for the ones who can’t. … The people who are struggling with depression, people who are struggling with mental health. I do it for everybody who can’t," Stiggers stated.

Reflecting on his career, he said, "I’ve been in the NFL three years, and I got drafted with no college experience. I’m really proud of myself for that." His life motto, "Perseverance," encapsulates his outlook: "I’ve been through a lot in my life, still going through a lot in my life. I just keep my faith in God and always continue to keep my head up."