🔗 Share this article

New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn has stated that he has been in contact with defensive back Kris Boyd and believes the athlete will be OK after being shot in midtown Manhattan in the early hours of Sunday.

Glenn noted that Boyd, currently in the hospital, was “upbeat” during their recent conversation.

“That’s what eases my mind, is that his mood is upbeat,” Glenn commented. “His wife and child, they’re in good spirits and he is expected to recover fully.”

It remained unclear when Boyd could be discharged the medical facility, where his condition is described as in critical but steady condition.

“Don’t know just yet,” the coach said. “Yet I must mention, from our conversation, he felt really upbeat. And again, that puts my mind at ease, that he feels like that and he expresses himself so positively.”

Authorities released security footage earlier this week of a suspect in the attack on the player. The reason behind the incident is still being looked into and officials stated it is unknown if Boyd was the intended victim. No one else was hurt as confirmed by officials.

The attack took place in the early morning on Sunday in the area between the famous arena and the iconic square. Boyd, in his late twenties, was taken to a medical center after sustaining an abdominal gunshot wound, according to authorities. The shooter fled the scene.

Glenn mentioned Boyd has occupied his thinking “constantly” since learning of the incident. Glenn added that Boyd and his spouse recently welcomed a baby.

“The first thing I thought about, he has a new baby,” Glenn remarked. “And I’m thinking about his wife, worrying about his newborn and I want to make sure that he’s OK. That was my main concern.

“There is a procedure involved, which I won’t get into, but I’m happy at the fact that he will recover excellently.”

Boyd did not participate in the present campaign, his first with the Jets, after being placed on injured reserve on mid-August with a shoulder issue that needed an operation.

He joined the Jets as a new signing in March and was expected to be a significant contributor of the team’s updated special teams under the coach and ST coordinator Chris Banjo. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury during a practice session on early August and was taken away on a cart.

Boyd has stayed involved with the squad during the entire campaign while working his way back.

“He’s been a part of what we’re doing,” Glenn said. “In fact, he is a regular at our matches. He is completely involved. To be one of the top special teams players in this league, he has been instrumental in guiding others.”

Boyd, hailing from the Lone Star State, began his career with Minnesota after his selection in the later rounds by Minnesota out of the University of Texas in 2019. He joined Arizona in 2023 and moved to Houston’s squad later that season. Boyd agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.6m with the Jets in March.