FLORHAM PARK, New Jersey — New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd, 29, remains hospitalized in stable condition after being shot in the abdomen early Sunday morning outside a Manhattan restaurant, authorities confirmed this week.

The New York Police Department said Wednesday that Boyd, who underwent multiple medical procedures after a bullet injured his right lung, has shown significant improvement. By Thursday, detectives said they had identified a possible suspect and were seeking to question the individual.

The shooting, which occurred near Sei Less, a well-known Midtown restaurant on West 38th Street, has sent shockwaves through the Jets organization, the NFL community, and Boyd’s hometown supporters in Texas.

As investigators continue piecing together what led to the violence, teammates, coaches, and fans are rallying behind Boyd — a player long known for grit, resilience, and special-teams brilliance.

The Incident: “Chirping” Over Clothing Preceded the Shooting, Police Say

According to police sources, Boyd was with two Jets teammates and a friend when the group had a brief interaction with another set of individuals inside the restaurant. The exchange reportedly involved comments about clothing and personal style — described as “chirping” or light confrontation that did not escalate into physical contact.

Authorities say that when Boyd’s group decided to leave, they encountered the same individuals outside. Verbal remarks continued, with one of the unidentified men questioning why Boyd and his companions “thought they were better.”

At no point, police say, did anyone announce a robbery or demand property.

Adding confusion to the investigation, officers later recovered a high-value watch at the scene — estimated at approximately $185,000 — though sources say no one has claimed ownership, and detectives are still determining its relevance, if any, to the shooting.

The gunman fled immediately after the shots were fired. Surveillance footage released by NYPD shows a man in a dark hooded sweatshirt running westbound on 38th Street. Detectives believe the person pictured may have information about the shooting and have asked the public for assistance.

There have been no arrests, and the investigation remains open.

Boyd’s Condition: “I’m Starting to Breathe On My Own Now”

After being rushed to Bellevue Hospital, Boyd underwent multiple procedures to remove the bullet and repair the damage to his right lung.

Initial reports described his condition as serious, but by midweek, doctors upgraded him to stable. On Wednesday, Boyd shared a brief but hopeful update in an Instagram Story:

“I’m coming along, starting to breathe on my own now.
Sincerely appreciate everyone!”

The selfie — Boyd smiling weakly from his hospital bed — quickly circulated across social media, where Jets fans and NFL supporters posted prayers, well-wishes, and messages of encouragement.

Jets Coach Aaron Glenn: “He’ll Walk Away From This Just Fine”

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, himself a former NFL defensive back, spoke to Boyd shortly after the shooting and expressed relief that the cornerback’s spirits remained high.

“He’s upbeat,” Glenn said Wednesday. “That’s what eases my mind — that he’s in good spirits. His wife and his child, they’re in good spirits. He’s going to come out of this thing really, really well.”

Glenn specifically declined to speculate on Boyd’s football future, noting that their conversations focused entirely on Boyd’s wellbeing — not the game.

“I never even brought up football,” he said. “Right now, it’s about him as a man, as a father, as a son. That’s the only thing that matters.”

Glenn also addressed the team on Monday, emphasizing the randomness and seriousness of the situation, and encouraging players to prioritize safety in their personal lives.

Kris Boyd: A Career Built on Hustle, Heart, and Special Teams Excellence

Long before his name made headlines for the wrong reasons, Kris Boyd had carved out a reputation as one of the NFL’s hardest-working, most fearless special-teams players.

Early Life in Gilmer, Texas

Born September 12, 1996, Boyd grew up in Gilmer, a football-obsessed East Texas town known for producing Division I and NFL talent. At Gilmer High School, he was a two-way force:

over 1,000 rushing yards

more than 800 receiving yards

first-team All-District honors

His athleticism made him one of the most exciting prospects in the region.

Texas Longhorns Standout

At the University of Texas, Boyd became a cornerstone of the Longhorns secondary:

111 tackles

30 pass breakups

3 interceptions

Two-time All-Big 12 selection

Although projected by some scouts as a mid-round pick, Boyd slid to the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft — a slight he later said motivated him.

NFL Journey: Minnesota, Houston, New York

Boyd was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings (217th overall), joining his college teammate Holton Hill.
He quickly became:

a special-teams ace

a trusted locker-room presence

a high-motor depth corner

Across four seasons in Minnesota, Boyd appeared in 48 games, recording:

58 tackles

5 passes defensed

1 interception

He also logged more than 1,000 special-teams snaps, becoming known for elite effort plays, including multiple blocked kicks.

After a 2023 stint with the Houston Texans practice squad, Boyd signed with the New York Jets in 2024, where he immediately impressed during preseason with a blocked field goal and an interception. A shoulder injury landed him on injured reserve early that year, but coaches consistently praised his mindset.

Faith, Family, and a Quiet Off-Field Profile

Boyd is known as a grounded, faith-centered athlete. He often posts Bible verses, motivational messages, and training clips on social media. Though private about romantic relationships, he remains close to his family in Texas and hosts youth football camps each offseason.

He is also known as a sneaker collector, gamer, and enthusiastic mentor to younger defensive backs.

Jets coach Aaron Glenn summed it up simply:

“He’s a warrior.”

Boyd’s Shooting: What We Know (and What Police Are Still Investigating)

Confirmed Facts

Boyd was shot once in the abdomen outside a restaurant shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday.

He was with teammates Jamien Sherwood and Irvin Charles and another friend.

The shooting followed a verbal exchange involving remarks about clothing.

Police say no robbery was announced and no property was demanded.

Surveillance footage of the person of interest has been released.

A valuable watch was found at the scene, but its connection remains unclear.

Boyd is recovering after multiple medical procedures.

Still Under Investigation

Whether the suspect and Boyd’s group had any prior interaction.

The full sequence of events leading to the shooting.

Whether the shooting was targeted or spontaneous.

The identity of the suspect and motive.

No Official Motive Established

Police have emphasized that the confrontation appeared to stem from verbal taunting and that detectives are not assigning motive beyond those initial remarks until more information is gathered.

NFL and Jets Community Reacts: “Prayers Up for Kris”

Messages from teammates, former coaches, fans, and commentators flooded social networks once news broke.

Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who was with Boyd at the time, called the situation “devastating” and said Boyd’s strength in recovery is “genuinely inspiring.”

Players from the Vikings and Texans — Boyd’s former teams — shared solidarity messages, and the NFLPA issued a statement offering resources and support.

Jets practices early this week included moments of prayer and reflection.

A Long Recovery Ahead — But Hope Within Reach

Doctors say Boyd’s recovery will take time. A gunshot wound that punctures lung tissue carries significant healing demands, and the long-term impact on his football career remains unknown.

But the tone from Boyd, his doctors, and the Jets organization is overwhelmingly positive.

Coach Glenn believes Boyd’s tenacity will carry him through:

“He’ll walk away from this just fine.”

Boyd himself has expressed gratitude and hope — the most encouraging sign of all.

A Player Defined by Resilience Faces His Biggest Test Yet

Kris Boyd has always played with a chip on his shoulder — as a late-round pick, as a special-teams standout fighting for snaps, and as a competitor who thrives on proving doubters wrong. Now, faced with a life-threatening ordeal, his trademark determination is once again on full display.

The Jets locker room is rallying. Fans are sending love. The NFL community is unified in support. And Boyd, breathing on his own and smiling through pain, is showing the same spirit that carried him from Gilmer, Texas, to the bright lights of the NFL.

An arrest may still be pending, answers still emerging — but one thing is certain:

Kris Boyd isn’t done fighting.
Not on the field.
Not off it.
And not now.