Cornerback wounded outside Manhattan restaurant following late-night dispute
Surprise shooting in Manhattan leaves the 29-year-old NFL player hospitalized and city police scrambling to identify the assailant.
Incident Overview
Early on Sunday morning, Kris Boyd, a cornerback for the New York Jets, was shot in the abdomen outside a restaurant in Midtown Manhattan. The incident took place around 2 a.m. at the address on West 38th Street near Seventh Avenue. According to police reports, the shooting followed a dispute that escalated into violence. The shooter is believed to have fired two shots and then fled the scene in a luxury vehicle, with no arrests made at the time of reporting.
Boyd was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where he is listed in critical but stable condition. Team officials confirmed that the Jets are aware of the situation and declined further comment pending investigation.
Athletic Background
Kris Boyd, age 29, entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 after a successful college career at the Texas Longhorns. He has played for multiple teams, including the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans, before signing with the Jets in March 2025 on a one-year contract.
Boyd was expected to play a key role on special teams for the Jets this season but was placed on injured reserve in August after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
Incident Details & Investigation
According to law-enforcement sources, the incident unfolded just after the restaurant had closed its late-night service. A verbal altercation reportedly took place outside the venue, which escalated to gunfire. Witnesses and police describe the assailant fleeing in a vehicle, identified in media reports as a BMW X8. Police have not publicly confirmed the vehicle model or motive. Investigators are examining surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses in the immediate area.
The victim was found with a gunshot wound in the abdomen. Despite the severity of the injury, hospital statements indicated that Boyd’s condition is stable—for now—while he remains under critical care.
Team & Player Response
The Jets issued a brief statement confirming awareness of the incident and declining further commentary at this stage. Teammates and other league members posted messages of support. Notably, Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson II asked followers on social media to send prayers for his “brother and teammate Kris Boyd and his family.”
Boyd’s family and close friends are believed to have rushed to New York to be by his side. The player’s reputation as a hard-working special-teams contributor and a resilient figure in his journey to the NFL has now been overshadowed by this alarming off-field event.
Implications & Concerns
This incident raises multiple concerns beyond the immediate health of one player. For the Jets, the loss of a team member—even if not a starter this season—reminds the league of how quickly off-field events can impact a roster. For the NFL more broadly, the shooting underscores persistent issues of athlete-safety, public-venue security and the unpredictable nature of late-night environments involving high-profile individuals.
In the context of gun violence in New York City, the incident also spotlights the risks faced by celebrities and athletes, even when not actively playing. Midtown Manhattan is typically busy in early hours, and a dispute turning violent in that setting adds urgency to the law-enforcement response.
What Comes Next
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Hospital updates on Boyd’s recovery will be closely followed by the team, league and public.
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The NYPD is investigating the shooting scene, reviewing video surveillance, interviewing witnesses and attempting to determine motive and identify suspects.
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The Jets will likely offer internal support to players and staff impacted by the incident, including counselling and safety briefings for nightlife settings.
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Media coverage will continue to track whether the shooting was targeted or random, and what role, if any, the restaurant setting or previous injuries may have played.
Final Thoughts
Kris Boyd’s shooting is a sobering reminder that professional athletes face real-world risks beyond the playing field. The incident combines a late-night public dispute, gunfire in a high-traffic area of Manhattan and the hospitalization of a well-known NFL player. As the investigation unfolds, the Jets organization and NFL community will watch closely—not only for Boyd’s recovery but for any broader implications regarding athlete safety, off-field decisions and public engagement.
For now, Boyd remains at Bellevue Hospital, fighting for recovery and surrounded by teammates, family and fans hoping for his return to health.
