Going from Atlanta to the New York Jets was anything but a straight-line journey.
In the world of sports, the mention of the pandemic on any level is probably considered blasphemy. As new awe-inspiring sporting feats and heroic figures again capture the typical fan’s attention, 2020 holds nothing more than an asterisk in explaining reduced games, stats, and awkward playoff configurations.
But the pandemic was a time of widespread sickness, death, and despair, and we are only beginning to acknowledge and celebrate the stories of resilience that some athletes showed then and continue to exhibit today.
This week, The Today Show highlighted the extraordinary path walked by New York Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers, the 176th player in the 2024 NFL Draft. Stiggers played for the Toronto Argonauts in 2023, making him the first player since 1999 to be taken directly from the Canadian Football League (CFL).
Stiggers was not expected to crack the Jets’ roster and was likely looking toward a practice squad role. Instead, Stiggers has seen fairly regular action on special teams so far this season and some time at cornerback during this past week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. On the surface, this story seems remarkable, but there’s more to it.
Growing up in a family of 13 in Atlanta, Qwan’ tez was a three-sport standout at the B.E.S.T. Academy, showing excellence in football, basketball, and baseball. In addition to the challenges of living in a small space with such a large number of siblings, Qwan’tez was faced with his first significant episode of adversity when one of his brothers was severely injured and left partially paralyzed after a football accident. Then, in February 2020, at the heart of the pandemic, his father was involved in an auto accident, which left him hospitalized for 6 months and led to his death.
With football and all sports being put to a halt at that time across the U.S. and around the world, Qwan’tez was left with no natural outlet to distract himself from the overwhelming grief of losing his Dad. A pit of despair ensued when Qwan’tez said he “didn’t go outside for months.”
Qwan’tez, though projecting humility, hinted towards his level of self-awareness and bravery by revealing his mental and emotional condition during that time. It might have been that simply applying a business-as-usual approach through that period and ignoring the effects of the pandemic on society at large might have been the logical strategy for many athletes at the time. Alternatively, though, there were many people from all walks of life who, like Qwan’tez, found that period to be depressing, lonely, and confusing.
Qwan’tez had begun attending Lane College in Tennessee to play Division 2 football. However, with the grief process having just started following the loss of his Dad, he decided instead to stay home and take on odd jobs to support his family while at the same time carrying a severely depressed mental state. Qwan’tez’s gifted athletic ability remained intact until his mom urged him to try out for the indoor (arena) football league. His tryout was a success, and he played in the FCF (Fan Controlled Football) league for the 2022 season. His ability, which included a sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash and exceptional coverage skills, caught the attention of a Canadian Football League (CFL) offensive coordinator from the Toronto Argonauts. From there, Qwan’tez was allowed to try out for the Argonauts in the spring of 2023.
Defying all expectations and odds, He excelled in the tryout and earned a starting position for the 2023 CFL season, which runs from June to November. Stiggers went on to start all 16 games for the Argos, tallying 53 defensive tackles and five interceptions. These efforts earned him the award of the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie. At age 21, Qwan’tez had seemingly emerged from despair and was beginning to shine on some large stages. Despite not having played college football, he acquired an exemption allowing him to play in the high-profile East-West Shrine Bowl showcase.
There, Qwan’tez was able to put his ability on display in front of NFL scouts, which ultimately led to the New York Jets drafting him in the 5th round, a round usually reserved for players who were unlikely to crack the starting roster. However, Qwan’tez’s display of resilience and mental and physical fortitude was not to be stopped. He made the team, was assigned a role with special teams, and backed up the starting defensive backfield at cornerback.
The world was introduced to Qwan’tez this past Sunday when he contributed on special teams with a tackle deep in Pittsburgh territory following a punt. Al Michaels had the play-by-play and clearly announced, “That was Qwan’tez Stiggers on the tackle.”
At just 22 years old, it would seem that we are just beginning to realize the trajectory of Qwan’tez Stiggers’ talent as it unfolds. His story is groundbreaking in exposing some of the vulnerabilities and despair many of us felt during the turbulent and confusing times of the pandemic. Sharing stories of resilience and ultimate triumph, or in this case, rising from the grips of depression and grief towards ultimately being acknowledged for achievement by Al Michaels and a prime-time national audience.
We made it through that time, some of us with scars and lasting trauma. Still, it is through the sharing of stories like that of Qwan’tez Stiggers that we might continue to understand resilience and gain an understanding of our ability to overcome any obstacle.
Enjoyed the read. Another winner Doug!