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New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn revealed that he has been in contact with cornerback Kris Boyd and is confident the athlete will be OK after being shot in central New York in the early hours of Sunday.

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

“That’s what eases my mind, is that his mood is upbeat,” Glenn said Wednesday. “His wife and child, they’re in good spirits and he will walk away from this just fine.”

The coach did not know when Boyd could be discharged the hospital, where he is reported as critical but stable.

“Still unsure,” he added. “However, I can share, hearing him speak, he felt really upbeat. Furthermore, that reassures me, because of his outlook and his words reflect that optimism.”

Authorities issued security footage earlier this week of a man sought in the incident involving Boyd. What prompted the attack is currently under review and officials stated it’s not clear if Boyd was singled out. No other injuries as confirmed by officials.

The incident occurred just after 2am on Sunday morning in the area between the famous arena and the iconic square. Boyd, in his late twenties, was taken to Bellevue Hospital after suffering a wound to the stomach, according to authorities. The shooter fled the scene.

Glenn said Boyd has been in his thoughts “a ton” since the news broke. The coach said that Boyd and his spouse are new parents to a newborn.

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

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

Boyd hasn’t played this season, after joining the team, after going on the season-ending injured reserve list 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 significant contributor of the team’s updated special teams under Glenn and ST coordinator Chris Banjo. However, he got hurt during a practice session on 2 August and was carted from the field.

Boyd has stayed involved with the squad throughout the season while recovering from the shoulder injury.

“He remains involved with our activities,” Glenn commented. “Certainly, he attends every game. His commitment is total. 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, played his first four seasons 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 moved to Houston’s squad subsequently. Boyd inked a single-season agreement worth $1.6m with the Jets in March.