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

Glenn described that Boyd, who is hospitalized, was “upbeat” during their latest talk.

“That gives me comfort, is that his mood is upbeat,” Glenn stated on Wednesday. “His family, they are holding up and he is expected to recover fully.”

It remained unclear when Boyd could be discharged the medical facility, where his condition is described as in critical but steady condition.

“Don’t know just yet,” Glenn remarked. “Yet I must mention, from our conversation, he seemed very positive. Once more, that’s what gives me comfort, given his positive frame of mind and his words reflect that optimism.”

New York police released surveillance images earlier this week of a suspect in the shooting of Boyd. A motive for the shooting is currently under review and authorities said it remains uncertain if Boyd was targeted. No one else was hurt according to reports.

The incident occurred just after 2am on Sunday morning about halfway between the famous arena and the iconic square. Boyd, 29, was transported to Bellevue Hospital after being shot in the abdomen, as reported. The shooter fled the scene.

Glenn said Boyd has been on his mind “a ton” since he heard about the shooting. Glenn added that Boyd and his wife just had a child.

“What immediately crossed my mind, he just had a kid,” Glenn said. “And I’m thinking about his wife, considering his child and I hope he recovers fully. That was my main concern.

“There’s a process to this, that I won’t detail, but I’m happy at the fact that he’s going to come out of this thing really, really well.”

Boyd hasn’t played in the present campaign, his debut year with New York, after being placed on injured reserve on mid-August with a shoulder injury that needed an operation.

Boyd came to New York as an unrestricted free agent in March and was anticipated to become a significant contributor of a revamped special teams unit under Glenn and special teams coordinator the special teams coach. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury during a training camp practice on 2 August and had to be helped off.

Boyd continued to be present throughout the season while working his way back.

“He remains involved with our activities,” Glenn commented. “Certainly, 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 been instrumental in guiding others.”

Boyd, from Texas, began his career with the Vikings after getting drafted in the seventh round by Minnesota out of Texas University in 2019. He later played for the Arizona Cardinals in last year and moved to Houston’s squad after that. Boyd agreed to a one-year deal valued at $1.6 million with the Jets in the spring.