New York Jets defensive back Qwan’tez Stiggers was rushed to the hospital via ambulance after passing out on the sidelines towards the end of a bad-tempered joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Players gathered around Stiggers after he collapsed to the ground on the sideline after walking off the field.
He was tended to quickly be medical personnel as players took a knee in prayer, before an ambulance made its way to the field to take him from the field. Onlookers observed him receiving an IV.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Stiggers had ‘passed out’ before providing a positive update on his health.
Glenn said: ‘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.
‘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.
Qwan’tez Stiggers was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance after Jets practice
Jets rookie David Bailey was heavily involved in an ill-tempered practice with the Buccaneers
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield threw an interception that led to a brawl on Tuesday
‘He was able to talk, and I want to make sure that I go and see him after this just to make sure I’m good with everything. But for the most part, he was good.’
It had already been an eventful day of practice between the two teams, with three fights breaking out as tempers flared before their preseason game on Friday night.
The first fight broke out during 1-on-1 pass-rush drills as Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey was taunted by Bucs tackle Luke Goedeke. After Bailey slapped Goedeke’s helmet, the two came to blows.
The same situation spilled into the Bucs offense vs Jets defense segment of the practice, when Baker Mayfield was intercepted by Jarius Monroe then a large brawl broke out.
Goedeke was again involved, ripping off Stiggers’ helmet and launching it around 20 yards down the field as coaches were forced to step in.
And a later incident saw Bucs defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson clash with a Jets offensive lineman, in a practice which also saw Jets quarterback Geno Smith struggle, throwing multiple interceptions.
Goedeke later explained to the media: ‘Well, [David Bailey] 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.’
Meanwhile, Jets running back Breece Hall, who joked he did not get involved as he has a ‘rule’ not to get involved in fights with anyone over 240lbs, added: ‘I feel like overall it was a good day. A lot of fights and stuff, but it was a good day.’
