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Jets head coach Aaron Glenn mentioned that he recently spoke with defensive back Kris Boyd and feels certain 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 latest talk.

“What reassures me, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn said Wednesday. “His wife and his kid, they’re in good spirits and he is expected to recover fully.”

Glenn was unsure when Boyd might be released the hospital, where he is reported as critical but stable.

“Not certain at the moment,” he added. “But I will say this, hearing him speak, he felt really upbeat. And again, that’s what gives me comfort, given his positive frame of mind and he’s talking that way.”

Authorities issued security footage Monday of an individual wanted in the shooting of Boyd. What prompted the attack is still being looked into and officials stated it’s not clear if Boyd was targeted. No other injuries were reported.

The attack took place just after 2am on Sunday about halfway between the famous arena and the iconic square. Boyd, in his late twenties, was taken to a local hospital after sustaining an abdominal gunshot wound, according to authorities. The shooter fled the scene.

Glenn said Boyd has occupied his thinking “a ton” since the news broke. Glenn added that Boyd and his wife recently welcomed a child.

“My initial concern, he just had a kid,” Glenn remarked. “My mind went to his family, worrying about his newborn and I hope he recovers fully. And that’s the only thing that really went through my mind.

“A certain process is underway, that I won’t detail, but I am pleased that his outcome looks very positive.”

Boyd was inactive this season, his first with the Jets, after being placed on injured reserve on 18 August with a shoulder injury that involved surgical repair.

Boyd came to New York as a new signing in spring and was expected to be a key part of the team’s updated special teams under Glenn and ST coordinator the special teams coach. However, he got hurt during a training camp practice on 2 August and was taken away on a cart.

Boyd has stayed involved with the squad throughout the season while working his way back.

“He’s been a part of what we’re doing,” Glenn said. “Certainly, he comes to the games all the time. He’s fully engaged. As one of the league’s best on special teams, he’s done a really good job of helping the other guys we have.”

Boyd, a Texas native, began his career with Minnesota after his selection in the later rounds by the Vikings out of Texas University in 2019. He joined Arizona 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 March.