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New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn mentioned that he has been in contact with defensive back Kris Boyd and believes the athlete will recover well after being shot in central New York early Sunday morning.

Glenn described 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 stated on Wednesday. “His wife and his kid, they’re in good spirits and he is expected to recover fully.”

Glenn was unsure when Boyd could be discharged the hospital, where he has been listed as critical but stable.

“Still unsure,” he added. “Yet I must mention, hearing him speak, his attitude was encouraging. Furthermore, that puts my mind at ease, that he feels like that and his words reflect that optimism.”

New York police shared security footage Monday of an individual wanted in the shooting of Boyd. The reason behind the incident is currently under review and officials stated it remains uncertain if Boyd was the intended victim. No one else was hurt as confirmed by officials.

The attack took place around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning about halfway between the famous arena and the bustling tourist spot. Boyd, in his late twenties, was taken to a medical center after sustaining an abdominal gunshot wound, according to authorities. The assailant escaped.

Glenn mentioned Boyd has occupied his thinking “a great deal” since the news broke. He further stated that Boyd and his wife are new parents to a child.

“The first thing I thought about, he just had a kid,” Glenn remarked. “My mind went to his family, considering his child and my priority is his well-being. 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 hasn’t played this season, his debut year with New York, after going on the season-ending injured reserve list on August 18 with a shoulder injury that needed an operation.

He signed with New York as a new signing in March and was anticipated to become a key part of a revamped special teams unit under Glenn and special teams coordinator Chris Banjo. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury during a practice session on 2 August and was taken away on a cart.

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

“He remains involved with our activities,” Glenn said. “Certainly, he comes to the games all the time. He is completely involved. As one of the league’s best on special teams, he has been instrumental in guiding others.”

Boyd, a Texas native, spent his initial four years with Minnesota after getting drafted in the seventh round by the Vikings out of the University of Texas in the 2019 draft. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals in last year and then joined Houston’s practice squad after that. Boyd agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.6m with New York in the spring.