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New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn mentioned that he has been in contact with defensive back Kris Boyd and believes the athlete will be OK after suffering a gunshot wound in midtown Manhattan in the early hours of Sunday.

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

“What reassures me, is that his mood is upbeat,” Glenn stated on Wednesday. “His wife and child, they are holding up and he is expected to recover fully.”

The coach did not know when Boyd might be released the hospital, where his condition is described as in critical but steady condition.

“Not certain at the moment,” the coach said. “But I will say this, just talking to him, he seemed very positive. Furthermore, that reassures me, that he feels like that and his words reflect that optimism.”

Authorities released surveillance images earlier this week of a man sought in the incident involving Boyd. The reason behind the incident is currently under review and police mentioned it is unknown if Boyd was singled out. No one else was hurt were reported.

The attack took place just after 2am on Sunday morning in the area between the famous arena and the bustling tourist spot. Boyd, 29, was taken to a local hospital after being shot in the abdomen, as reported. The assailant escaped.

Glenn said Boyd has been on his mind “a ton” since the news broke. The coach said that Boyd and his spouse recently welcomed a newborn.

“What immediately crossed my mind, he recently became a father,” Glenn remarked. “My mind went to his family, considering his child and my priority is his well-being. Those thoughts dominated my thinking.

“There is a procedure involved, I’ll keep private, but I’m happy at the fact that he will recover excellently.”

Boyd was inactive in the present campaign, after joining the team, after being placed on injured reserve on mid-August with a shoulder injury that involved surgical repair.

He joined the Jets as a free agent in March and was expected to be a key part of an improved special teams group under the coach and special teams coordinator the special teams coach. But Boyd was injured during preseason drills on early August and was carted from the field.

Boyd continued to be present all season long while recovering from the shoulder injury.

“He remains involved with our activities,” Glenn said. “I mean, he is a regular at our matches. His commitment is total. 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 getting drafted in the seventh round by Minnesota out of the University of Texas in the 2019 draft. He later played for Arizona in last year and later was with the Texans later that season. Boyd inked a single-season agreement worth $1.6m with New York in the spring.