Qwan’tez Stiggers has made the New York Jets 53-man roster following final roster cuts on Tuesday. He played for the Toronto Argonauts in 2023 and championed a unique path to professional football. He was drafted by the Jets in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft 176th overall.
Stiggers’ had a unique pathway to professional football. In 2020 an unexpected car accident saw his father critically injured which led to his passing many months later. At the time, Qwan’tez was a freshman at Lane College and the loss of his father led to depression and ultimately dropping out despite having a scholarship.
In 2022 his mother suggested he try out to play in the Fan Controlled Football League. Later he was recommended to try out for the CFL.
In 2023 he found himself on the Toronto Argonauts roster despite not having played in college. He made a significant impact over the season as he played in 16 regular season games with 15 starts over which span he recorded 54 tackles and 5 interceptions.
Stiggers was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie following the season and was just the 4th defensive back to win the award.
Following the 2023 CFL season, he participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl. Seeing a CFL helmet among all the NCAA helmets was a rare but highly enjoyable sight.
Stiggers played in all 3 preseason games for the Jets which saw him record 10 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles.