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

Glenn described that Boyd, who is hospitalized, was “upbeat” during their recent conversation.

“That gives me comfort, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn stated on Wednesday. “His wife and his kid, they are doing well and he will come through this without issue.”

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

“Don’t know just yet,” he added. “However, I can share, just talking to him, he felt really upbeat. Once more, that puts my mind at ease, that he feels like that and his words reflect that optimism.”

NYPD released surveillance images Monday of a suspect in the attack on the player. What prompted the attack is currently under review and officials stated it is unknown if Boyd was targeted. No other injuries were reported.

The shooting happened in the early morning on Sunday in the area between the famous arena and Times Square. Boyd, 29, was taken to a medical center after suffering a wound to the stomach, as reported. The assailant escaped.

Glenn mentioned Boyd has occupied his thinking “a great deal” since learning of the incident. He further stated that Boyd and his spouse are new parents to a baby.

“The first thing I thought about, he just had a kid,” Glenn said. “I thought of his spouse, I’m thinking about his kid and I hope he recovers fully. Those thoughts dominated my thinking.

“There is a procedure involved, I’ll keep private, but I am pleased that he’s going to come out of this thing really, really well.”

Boyd hasn’t played this season, after joining the team, after his season was cut short due to injury on 18 August with a shoulder issue that required surgery.

Boyd came to New York as a free agent in spring and was anticipated to become a significant contributor of an improved special teams group under the coach and ST coordinator Chris Banjo. But Boyd was injured during a practice session on early August and was carted from the field.

Boyd continued to be present all season long while working his way back.

“He has stayed engaged with the team,” Glenn commented. “Certainly, he comes to the games all the time. He’s fully engaged. 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 the Vikings after getting drafted in the seventh round by Minnesota out of Texas University in the 2019 draft. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 and later was with the Texans later that season. Boyd signed a one-year contract worth $1.6m with New York in the spring.