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Jets head coach Aaron Glenn revealed that he has been in contact with defensive back Kris Boyd and is confident the player will recover well after suffering a gunshot wound in midtown Manhattan early Sunday morning.

Glenn shared that Boyd, who is hospitalized, was “in good spirits” during their recent conversation.

“That gives me comfort, is that he’s feeling positive,” Glenn said Wednesday. “His wife and child, they are doing well and he is expected to recover fully.”

The coach did not know when Boyd might be released the medical facility, where his condition is described as critical but stable.

“Don’t know just yet,” Glenn remarked. “Yet I must mention, from our conversation, his attitude was encouraging. Furthermore, that’s what gives me comfort, that he feels like that and his words reflect that optimism.”

New York police issued surveillance images Monday of an individual wanted in the attack on the player. A motive for the shooting is currently under review and police mentioned it remains uncertain if Boyd was singled out. No one else was hurt according to reports.

The attack took place just after 2am on Sunday about halfway between the famous arena and the bustling tourist spot. Boyd, in his late twenties, was taken to Bellevue Hospital after suffering a wound to the stomach, according to authorities. The perpetrator got away.

Glenn mentioned Boyd has been on his mind “constantly” since the news broke. Glenn added that Boyd and his wife recently welcomed a newborn.

“What immediately crossed my mind, he has a new baby,” Glenn noted. “I thought of his spouse, worrying about his newborn and I hope he recovers fully. Those thoughts dominated my thinking.

“There is a procedure involved, which I won’t get into, but I am pleased that he will recover excellently.”

Boyd was inactive in the present campaign, after joining the team, after his season was cut short due to injury on mid-August with a shoulder injury that required surgery.

He signed with New York as an unrestricted free agent in March and was expected to be an important component of an improved special teams group under the coach and special teams coordinator the special teams coach. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury during a practice session on 2 August and was carted from the field.

Boyd has stayed involved with the squad during the entire campaign while healing from his surgery.

“He’s been a part of what we’re doing,” Glenn stated. “Certainly, he is a regular at our matches. His commitment is total. To be one of the top special teams players in this league, he’s done a really good job of helping the other guys we have.”

Boyd, from Texas, began his career with the Vikings after his selection in the later rounds by Minnesota out of UT in the 2019 draft. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals in last year and later was with the Texans after that. Boyd agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.6m with the Jets in the spring.