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

Glenn described that Boyd, who is hospitalized, was “positive” during their recent conversation.

“What reassures me, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn said Wednesday. “His wife and child, they are doing well and he will come through this without issue.”

Glenn was unsure when Boyd would leave the hospital, where his condition is described as in critical but steady condition.

“Still unsure,” the coach said. “However, I can share, hearing him speak, his attitude was encouraging. Once more, that’s what gives me comfort, given his positive frame of mind and his words reflect that optimism.”

Authorities shared video stills Monday of a suspect in the incident involving Boyd. The reason behind the incident remains under investigation and police mentioned it is unknown if Boyd was singled out. No one else was hurt according to reports.

The shooting happened around 2 a.m. on Sunday in the area between Madison Square Garden and the iconic square. Boyd, 29, was admitted to Bellevue Hospital after sustaining an abdominal gunshot wound, police said. The shooter fled the scene.

Glenn said Boyd has occupied his thinking “a great deal” since he heard about the shooting. The coach said that Boyd and his wife are new parents to a child.

“My initial concern, he recently became a father,” Glenn remarked. “And I’m thinking about his wife, worrying about his newborn and my priority is his well-being. And that’s the only thing that really went through my mind.

“A certain process is underway, I’ll keep private, but I’m happy at the fact that his outcome looks very positive.”

Boyd was inactive this season, his debut year with New York, after being placed on injured reserve on mid-August with a shoulder issue that needed an operation.

He joined the Jets as an unrestricted free agent in March and was expected to be an important component of an improved special teams group under Glenn and ST coordinator Chris Banjo. 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 healing from his surgery.

“He remains involved with our activities,” Glenn said. “I mean, he is a regular at our matches. He’s fully engaged. To be one of the top special teams players in this league, he has excelled at supporting his teammates.”

Boyd, hailing from the Lone Star State, spent his initial four years with the Vikings after his selection in the later rounds by the Vikings out of the University of Texas in the 2019 draft. He joined Arizona in last year and later was with the Texans subsequently. Boyd agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.6m with the Jets in March.