With the NFL Drafts over, the Jets have ended up bringing in quite a few amazing players to the team. From running back Braelon Allen to wide receiver Malachi Corley, they managed to snag a stunning lineup. However, it was center-back, Qwan’tez Stiggers who wound up catching the most media attention ahead of the draft.

With him being the only player without a college name next to his during the team picks, Stiggers’ story to the gridiron quickly became one that everybody wanted to hear.

Where the Jets’ Robert Saleh and the rest of the world heard about Qwan’tez Stiggers

According to reports from ESPN, it was revealed that Qwan’tez Stiggers had been discovered by the NFL, thanks to a random video posted on Facebook. Although the New York Jets head coach, Robert Saleh, may owe his latest player to the social media, the 22-year-old might have a few more people to thank for helping him land the opportunity.

After all, his mother and CFL coach, John Jenkins, had a lot to do with supporting Stiggers along the way. While the cornerback’s mom had signed him up for Fan Controlled Football, the former Toronto Argonauts offensive coordinator helped put him on the map by telling the team’s assistant GM about the 22-year-old and his abilities.

Although Vince Margi initially had his doubts about Stiggers, he wound up being impressed by his game tapes on Facebook and YouTube. Shortly after that, the athlete became the Argonauts’ cornerback and the CFL’s Rookie of the Year.

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With the 22-year-old still unable to make it to the NFL without having any proper college experience to show, the assistant GM got him put into the East-West Shrine Bowl and eventually into the big leagues.

Why did Qwan’tez Stiggers leave college in his first year?

Qwan’tez Stiggers might be the first player drafted directly from the CFL since the 1999 NFL Draft. However, unlike Jermaine Haley, he had absolutely no college experience. Although the 22-year-old was set to attend Lane College in Tennessee, that plan fell flat when he unexpectedly lost his father from residual injuries from a car accident.

The loss hit Stiggers hard. However, he managed to put on a brave face for his mother and his thirteen siblings. After processing his grief, the 22-year-old set out to achieve his NFL dreams, no matter how hard. Luckily, the former Argonaut seems to have made it to the big league with a little help from his familial support system and even coaches he met along the way.

Although he might have a long way to go before Stiggers makes it as big as Aaron Rodgers, Joe Klecko, and more, the 22-year-old has conquered his dream halfway. After all, his draft into the Jets landed him with a 4-year contract that will average him with $1.1 million per year. It might be a small start. However, the 22-year-old could turn things around for himself based on his performance at rookie practice and the playoffs.