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New York Jets cornerback Qwantz Stiggers was taken to a hospital by ambulance after a frightening incident during the team's training camp on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old was participating in the Jets' joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Atlantic Health Training Facility in Florham Park, New Jersey, when practice was suddenly stopped for several minutes.
ESPN reporter Rich Cimini initially reported that an ambulance had arrived at the facility, although it was unclear which player had been injured. Jets head coach Aaron Glenn later confirmed that Stiggers had passed out on the sideline and was subsequently transported to the hospital.
The incident prompted concern among Stiggers' teammates, who gathered around the cornerback as medical personnel attended to him. Cimini reported that Stiggers was carried from the field on a stretcher while receiving medical attention.
The Jets later received encouraging news about Stiggers' condition. Defensive lineman Harrison Phillips said the early word was "positive and encouraging," according to Cimini. Phillips also revealed that the entire team gathered on the field and said a prayer for Stiggers at the conclusion of practice.
Glenn provided additional details when speaking to reporters after the session. The coach explained that Stiggers had returned to the sideline following a play before suddenly collapsing.
"From what I know, he came to the sideline after a play and he actually fell out," Glenn said.
The coach added that the encouraging part of the situation was that Stiggers remained conscious and that the Jets' medical staff responded quickly.
"The good thing is he was conscious and our guys did a hell of a job," Glenn said, while praising medical staffs across the NFL for their response during emergencies.
Glenn also said the team's coaches and medical personnel took the necessary steps to ensure Stiggers received appropriate care.
Stiggers was reportedly able to speak following the incident, providing further reassurance to those around him.
Glenn said he planned to visit Stiggers after the training camp session to check on his condition personally.
"I wanna make sure that I go and see him after this just to make sure I'm good with everything," Glenn said.
While the incident briefly brought the Jets' training camp to a halt, the early reports surrounding Stiggers' condition offered some encouragement. The cornerback's teammates and coaches will now await further updates as he continues to receive medical attention.
