New York Jets cornerback and special teams player Kris Boyd sustained critical injuries in a shooting incident that took place in midtown Manhattan early Sunday morning. According to the office of Mayor Eric Adams, the shooting occurred just after 2 a.m. outside a business located on West 38th Street near 7th Avenue, as reported by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The victim, identified as a 29-year-old man, was shot in the abdomen and subsequently transported to Bellevue Hospital. Reports indicate that he is currently in critical but stable condition. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. Mayor Adams' office has confirmed that the injured man is Kris Boyd.
In response to the incident, Mayor Adams expressed his thoughts and prayers for Boyd and his loved ones in a social media message. He stated, “Although we’ve gotten shootings to historic lows in our city, we must continue to work to end gun violence. Too many young lives have been tragically altered and cut short by this epidemic.”
A spokesperson for the Jets commented on the situation, saying, “We are aware of the situation involving Kris Boyd and will have no further comment at this time.” Boyd’s agent has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the shooting incident.
This season marks Boyd’s first with the Jets, but he has yet to play due to being placed on the season-ending injured reserve list on August 18 due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. He initially signed with the Jets as a free agent in March and was anticipated to play a significant role in a newly revamped special teams unit under new head coach Aaron Glenn and special teams coordinator Chris Banjo. Unfortunately, Boyd suffered an injury during training camp practice on August 2, which led to him being carted off the field.
Throughout his six-year NFL career, Boyd has been recognized as a standout player on special teams, with a substantial portion of his tenure spent with the Houston Texans. He gained attention during the Texans’ divisional playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs back in January when he celebrated a forced fumble on a kickoff by dramatically removing his helmet and nearly shoving his special teams coach to the ground.
Before joining the Jets, Boyd played his first four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings after being chosen as a seventh-round pick from the University of Texas in 2019. He briefly signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 before eventually joining the Houston Texans' practice squad later that same season.
In the wake of the shooting, Boyd's teammates have taken to social media to ask for prayers and support for him. Linebacker Jermaine Johnson shared, “Everybody please send prayers to my brother and teammate Kris Boyd and his family!!! Lord please hold your healing hand over Kris and guide him back to health and safety.”
Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips also posted a heartfelt message, urging divine support for Boyd and his family during this challenging time. He said, “Lord, place your mighty hand on him as he fights, lord God. Guide every doctor, nurse, and surgeon who touches him, lord. Give his family strength! Kris is a fighter and we’re all here for him.”
The Jets organization and Boyd's teammates continue to support him during his recovery, hoping for positive news as the situation develops.
