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Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has stated that he recently spoke with cornerback Kris Boyd and believes the athlete will recover well after suffering a gunshot wound in central New York early Sunday morning.

Glenn described that Boyd, currently in the hospital, was “upbeat” during a recent discussion.

“That gives me comfort, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn stated on Wednesday. “His family, they’re in good spirits and he will walk away from this just fine.”

Glenn was unsure when Boyd could be discharged the medical facility, where his condition is described as in critical but steady condition.

“Not certain at the moment,” the coach said. “Yet I must mention, just talking to him, he seemed very positive. And again, that reassures me, because of his outlook and he’s talking that way.”

New York police issued surveillance images Monday of an individual wanted in the shooting of Boyd. A motive for the shooting is still being looked into and authorities said it is unknown if Boyd was singled out. No one else was hurt according to reports.

The shooting happened in the early morning on Sunday about halfway between Madison Square Garden and the bustling tourist spot. Boyd, in his late twenties, was taken to Bellevue Hospital after being shot in the abdomen, police said. The perpetrator got away.

Glenn shared Boyd has been in his thoughts “a ton” since learning of the incident. Glenn added that Boyd and his spouse are new parents to a newborn.

“What immediately crossed my mind, he recently became a father,” Glenn said. “My mind went to his family, I’m thinking about his kid and I hope he recovers fully. Those thoughts dominated my thinking.

“There’s a process to this, that I won’t detail, but It is reassuring that his outcome looks very positive.”

Boyd did not participate during the current season, after joining the team, after going on the season-ending injured reserve list on mid-August with a shoulder injury that needed an operation.

Boyd came to New York as a free agent in March and was anticipated to become a significant contributor of a revamped special teams unit under the coach and special teams coordinator Chris Banjo. However, he got hurt during preseason drills on 2 August and was carted from the field.

Boyd has stayed involved with the squad throughout the season while healing from his surgery.

“He has stayed engaged with the team,” Glenn said. “In fact, he comes to the games all the time. His commitment is total. Given his status as a special teams standout, he has been instrumental in guiding others.”

Boyd, hailing from the Lone Star State, began his career with Minnesota after getting drafted in the seventh round by the Vikings out of the University of Texas in 2019. He joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 and later was with the Texans later that season. Boyd agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.6m with the Jets in the spring.