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New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn has stated that he recently spoke with cornerback Kris Boyd and is confident the athlete will recover well after being shot in central New York in the early hours of Sunday.

Glenn described that Boyd, currently in the hospital, was “upbeat” during their latest talk.

“That gives me comfort, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn stated on Wednesday. “His wife and child, they are doing well and he will come through this without issue.”

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

“Still unsure,” Glenn remarked. “But I will say this, hearing him speak, his attitude was encouraging. And again, that’s what gives me comfort, given his positive frame of mind and his words reflect that optimism.”

New York police shared video stills Monday of a suspect in the incident involving Boyd. A motive for the shooting remains under investigation and authorities said it’s not clear if Boyd was targeted. No other injuries as confirmed by officials.

The incident occurred in the early morning on Sunday morning in the area between Madison Square Garden and the iconic square. Boyd, in his late twenties, was taken to a medical center after sustaining an abdominal gunshot wound, as reported. The assailant escaped.

Glenn shared Boyd has occupied his thinking “a great deal” since he heard about the shooting. The coach said that Boyd and his spouse just had a child.

“My initial concern, he recently became a father,” Glenn said. “And I’m thinking about his wife, 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’s going to come out of this thing really, really well.”

Boyd was inactive this season, his first with the Jets, after going on the season-ending injured reserve list on 18 August with a shoulder issue that involved surgical repair.

Boyd came to New York as a free agent in March and was anticipated to become a key part of a revamped special teams unit under Glenn and special teams coordinator Chris Banjo. But Boyd was injured during preseason drills on 2 August and was taken away on a cart.

Boyd has remained around the team during the entire campaign while recovering from the shoulder injury.

“He remains involved with our activities,” Glenn stated. “In fact, he attends every game. His commitment is total. Given his status as a special teams standout, he has excelled at supporting his teammates.”

Boyd, from Texas, spent his initial four years with Minnesota after getting drafted in the seventh round by Minnesota out of Texas University in the 2019 draft. He later played for Arizona in last year and later was with the Texans subsequently. Boyd agreed to a one-year deal valued at $1.6 million with New York in March.