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New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn mentioned that he has been in contact with defensive back Kris Boyd and is confident the athlete will be OK after suffering a gunshot wound in central New York early Sunday morning.

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

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

Glenn was unsure when Boyd could be discharged the hospital, where his condition is described as critical but stable.

“Not certain at the moment,” Glenn remarked. “Yet I must mention, from our conversation, his attitude was encouraging. Once more, that reassures me, that he feels like that and his words reflect that optimism.”

New York police issued security footage Monday of a man sought in the shooting of Boyd. What prompted the attack is still being looked into and authorities said it’s not clear if Boyd was singled out. No one else was hurt as confirmed by officials.

The attack took place around 2 a.m. on Sunday about halfway between the famous arena and the iconic square. Boyd, in his late twenties, was transported to Bellevue Hospital after sustaining an abdominal gunshot wound, according to authorities. The assailant escaped.

Glenn said Boyd has been on his mind “constantly” since the news broke. Glenn added that Boyd and his spouse just had a baby.

“The first thing I thought about, he just had a kid,” Glenn remarked. “My mind went to his family, considering his child and I want to make sure that he’s OK. Those thoughts dominated my thinking.

“A certain process is underway, I’ll keep private, but I am pleased that he will recover excellently.”

Boyd was inactive during the current season, after joining the team, after being placed on injured reserve on 18 August with a shoulder issue that needed an operation.

He signed with New York as an unrestricted free agent in March and was projected as a key part of an improved special teams group under Glenn 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 continued to be present all season long while working his way back.

“He remains involved with our activities,” Glenn said. “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’s done a really good job of helping the other guys we have.”

Boyd, from Texas, spent his initial four years with the Vikings after his selection in the later rounds by the Vikings out of Texas University in 2019. He joined the Arizona Cardinals in last year and then joined Houston’s practice squad after that. Boyd agreed to a one-year deal for $1.6 million with the Jets in March.