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New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn has stated that he recently spoke with defensive back Kris Boyd and believes the player will recover well after being shot in central New York in the early hours of Sunday.

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

“That’s what eases my mind, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn stated on Wednesday. “His wife and his kid, they are doing well and he will walk away from this just fine.”

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

“Not certain at the moment,” the coach said. “Yet I must mention, just talking to him, his attitude was encouraging. And again, that puts my mind at ease, given his positive frame of mind and his words reflect that optimism.”

New York police issued video stills earlier this week of an individual wanted in the attack on the player. The reason behind the incident is currently under review and authorities said it remains uncertain if Boyd was singled out. There were no additional victims according to reports.

The attack took place just after 2am on Sunday in the area between MSG and the bustling tourist spot. Boyd, in his late twenties, was taken to a medical center after being shot in the abdomen, according to authorities. The shooter fled the scene.

Glenn mentioned Boyd has been on his mind “constantly” since learning of the incident. He further stated that Boyd and his spouse just had a newborn.

“What immediately crossed my mind, he has a new baby,” Glenn remarked. “And I’m thinking about his wife, worrying about his newborn and I hope he recovers fully. Those thoughts dominated my thinking.

“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 during the current season, his first with the Jets, after being placed on injured reserve on 18 August with an injury to his shoulder that required surgery.

He joined the Jets as a new signing in spring and was anticipated to become an important component of the team’s updated special teams under the coach and ST coordinator Chris Banjo. However, he got hurt during a practice session on 2 August and was taken away on a cart.

Boyd has remained around the team throughout the season while working his way back.

“He has stayed engaged with the team,” Glenn stated. “I mean, he is a regular at our matches. He’s fully engaged. As one of the league’s best on special teams, he’s done a really good job of helping the other guys we have.”

Boyd, from Texas, played his first four seasons with Minnesota after being a seventh-round pick by Minnesota out of the University of Texas in the 2019 draft. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals in last year and later was with the Texans subsequently. Boyd inked a single-season agreement for $1.6 million with the Jets in the spring.