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New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn revealed that he recently spoke 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 noted that Boyd, who is hospitalized, was “upbeat” during a recent discussion.

“What reassures me, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn stated on Wednesday. “His family, they are holding up and he will walk away from this just fine.”

It remained unclear when Boyd might be released the medical facility, where his condition is described as in critical but steady condition.

“Not certain at the moment,” the coach said. “However, I can share, from our conversation, he felt really upbeat. And again, that puts my mind at ease, that he feels like that and his words reflect that optimism.”

NYPD released security footage earlier this week of an individual wanted in the shooting of Boyd. What prompted the attack is currently under review and officials stated it’s not clear if Boyd was targeted. No one else was hurt as confirmed by officials.

The shooting happened just after 2am on Sunday in the area between the famous arena and the bustling tourist spot. Boyd, 29, was taken to a local hospital after sustaining an abdominal gunshot wound, police said. The perpetrator got away.

Glenn said Boyd has been in his thoughts “a ton” since he heard about the shooting. He further stated that Boyd and his wife just had a child.

“My initial concern, he has a new baby,” Glenn said. “I thought of his spouse, I’m thinking about his kid and I want to make sure that he’s OK. And that’s the only thing that really went through my mind.

“There is a procedure involved, that I won’t detail, but It is reassuring that his outcome looks very positive.”

Boyd hasn’t played in the present campaign, his first with the Jets, after going on the season-ending injured reserve list on mid-August with an injury to his shoulder that involved surgical repair.

He signed with New York as a new signing in spring and was expected to be a key part of a revamped special teams unit under Glenn and special teams coordinator Chris Banjo. However, he got hurt during a practice session on 2 August and was carted from the field.

Boyd continued to be present during the entire campaign while healing from his surgery.

“He remains involved with our activities,” Glenn stated. “In fact, he comes to the games all the time. He is completely involved. Given his status as a special teams standout, he has been instrumental in guiding others.”

Boyd, a Texas native, played his first four seasons with the Vikings after being a seventh-round pick by the Vikings out of UT in the 2019 draft. He joined the Arizona Cardinals in last year and later was with the Texans later that season. Boyd agreed to a one-year deal valued at $1.6 million with New York in March.