Kris Boyd, 29-year-old cornerback and special teams player for the New York Jets, is being treated for life-threatening injuries after being shot early Sunday morning outside a Midtown Manhattan restaurant. The shooting happened just after two a.m. on West 38th Street, where Boyd was reportedly attending a private event when the altercation turned to gunfire. The NFL player was shot in the abdomen, rushed to Bellevue Hospital, and is described as being in critical but stable condition on Monday morning per NYPD and team reports.
What we know about the incident: What happened to Kris Boyd?
No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, officials say. Witnesses infer an altercation broke out inside Sei Less restaurant that quickly spilled outside, moments later gunfire broke out and Boyd was struck. Law enforcement sources indicate the bullet damaged Boyd’s lung and emergency surgery was necessary. Police are reviewing videos from the restaurant, and reaching out to the public for tips, while the shooter remains unidentified. Boyd’s friends and teammates say he wasn’t known to be associated with any activity that would involve him in violence – only highlighting the random violence and public safety in the city.
Kris Boyd’s NFL Career and Community Impact
Boyd and previously played college football at the University of Texas in his home state of Gilmer, Texas before joining the NFL in 2019 as a seventh-round draft pick for the Minnesota Vikings. His past includes the Arizona Cardinals, and the Houston Texans, and this year, signed a one-year deal with the Jets. Boyd is currently out for the season because of a shoulder injury, but established himself as a respected figure and is involved in numerous charitable endeavors, including mentoring boys from under served community children.
The Jets organization released a statement, “We are aware of the situation involving Kris Boyd and will have no comment at this time.”
National level response: Safety, the NFL, and the Public
News surrounding Boyd’s injuries has garnered action from all over the NFL and public, with many expressing well wishes to Boyd’s family. Boyd’s injury has sparked a renewed discussions around violent crime in major US cities and the safety of both athletes, and celebrities in general due to Boyd’s high-profile coverage. New York authorities have increased patrols in Midtown after the incident, and the NFL Players Association reached out to local officials regarding the incident.
Social media lit up with the hashtag #PrayForKris, with fans, and former teammates, expressing well-wishes, and connections for justice. Jets players have reportedly stopped by to see Boyd at Bellevue Hospital, and a security presence has been established with gatherings of supporters outside.
Investigation and Recovery
Doctors have indicated Boyd’s recovery depends on the severity of internal injuries, especially damage to his lung and other internal abdominal organs. At this time, he remains in observation after emergency surgery with specialists being cautiously optimistic.
Police continue to investigate, pursuing several leads and requesting anyone with information to come forward.
Footage from nearby businesses’ video surveillance will likely be reviewed; detectives are talking to witnesses in the areas surrounding to determine the details that led up to the shooting.
