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Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has stated that he recently spoke with defensive back Kris Boyd and feels certain the athlete will be OK after suffering a gunshot wound in central New York in the early hours of Sunday.

Glenn noted that Boyd, who is hospitalized, was “upbeat” during a recent discussion.

“That’s what eases my mind, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn said Wednesday. “His family, they’re in good spirits and he will come through this without issue.”

The coach did not know when Boyd might be released the hospital, where he has been listed as in critical but steady condition.

“Don’t know just yet,” he added. “However, I can share, hearing him speak, his attitude was encouraging. Once more, that reassures me, because of his outlook and he expresses himself so positively.”

New York police shared video stills earlier this week of a man sought in the shooting of Boyd. The reason behind the incident remains under investigation and police mentioned it’s not clear if Boyd was targeted. There were no additional victims according to reports.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning about halfway between MSG and the bustling tourist spot. Boyd, in his late twenties, was admitted to a local hospital after suffering a wound to the stomach, police said. The perpetrator got away.

Glenn mentioned Boyd has been in his thoughts “a ton” since he heard about the shooting. The coach said that Boyd and his spouse recently welcomed a newborn.

“What immediately crossed my mind, he just had a kid,” Glenn remarked. “My mind went to his family, worrying about his newborn and I want to make sure that he’s OK. And that’s the only thing that really went through my mind.

“A certain process is underway, I’ll keep private, but I am pleased that he will recover excellently.”

Boyd did not participate during the current season, after joining the team, after going on the season-ending injured reserve list on August 18 with a shoulder injury that involved surgical repair.

He signed with New York as an unrestricted free agent in spring and was expected to be a key part of the team’s updated special teams under the coach and ST coordinator the special teams coach. But Boyd was injured during a practice session on August 2 and was taken away on a cart.

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

“He’s been a part of what we’re doing,” Glenn stated. “I mean, he comes to the games all the time. He is completely involved. To be one of the top special teams players in this league, he has excelled at supporting his teammates.”

Boyd, a Texas native, played his first four seasons with the Vikings after his selection in the later rounds by Minnesota out of Texas University in 2019. He signed with Arizona in 2023 and later was with the Texans later that season. Boyd agreed to a one-year deal valued at $1.6 million with the Jets in the spring.