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New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn revealed that he has been in contact with defensive back Kris Boyd and feels certain the athlete will recover well after being shot in midtown Manhattan in the early hours of Sunday.

Glenn shared that Boyd, currently in the hospital, was “upbeat” during a recent discussion.

“That gives me comfort, is that his mood is upbeat,” Glenn said Wednesday. “His wife and his kid, they’re in good spirits and he will walk away from this just fine.”

Glenn was unsure when Boyd might be released the medical facility, where he has been listed as in critical but steady condition.

“Not certain at the moment,” Glenn remarked. “Yet I must mention, hearing him speak, his attitude was encouraging. Once more, that puts my mind at ease, because of his outlook and his words reflect that optimism.”

Authorities shared video stills earlier this week of a man sought in the attack on the player. What prompted the attack is currently under review and authorities said it is unknown if Boyd was targeted. No other injuries according to reports.

The attack took place around 2 a.m. on Sunday about halfway between Madison Square Garden and the iconic square. Boyd, in his late twenties, was admitted to Bellevue Hospital after being shot in the abdomen, as reported. The shooter fled the scene.

Glenn said Boyd has been in his thoughts “a great deal” since the news broke. Glenn added that Boyd and his wife just had a newborn.

“What immediately crossed my mind, he recently became a father,” Glenn remarked. “My mind went to his family, considering his child and I want to make sure that he’s OK. That was my main concern.

“There’s a process to this, which I won’t get into, but It is reassuring 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 injury that required surgery.

He joined the Jets as a free agent in March and was expected to be a key part of the team’s updated special teams under the coach and special teams coordinator the special teams coach. 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 working his way back.

“He has stayed engaged with the team,” Glenn said. “I mean, he attends every game. He’s fully engaged. As one of the league’s best on special teams, he has excelled at supporting his teammates.”

Boyd, a Texas native, spent his initial four years with the Vikings after his selection in the later rounds by the Vikings out of the University of Texas in the 2019 draft. He joined Arizona in 2023 and moved to Houston’s squad after that. Boyd signed a one-year contract worth $1.6m with New York in the spring.