New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd shot in NYC and critically injured, reports say

New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd is reportedly in critical, but stable, condition after a shooting Sunday in New York City.

The NYPD said officers found a 29-year-old man shot in the abdomen at around 2 a.m. on West 38th Street near Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, but did not confirm the victim’s name.

Sources told CBS News New York the shooting followed a verbal dispute that escalated. CBS Sports, ESPN and the New York Post reported Boyd was the man rushed to the hospital. Mayor Eric Adams later confirmed Boyd as the victim.

A statement from the Jets said, “We are aware of the situation involving Kris Boyd and will have no further comment at this time.”

The latest on the investigation

The NYPD said a man was leaving Asian fusion restaurant Sei Less with a small group when they were confronted by another group that had also left the eatery. An argument occurred, and one person in the opposing group took out a gun and fired twice. One shot hit the man in the chest, police said.

The victim was transported to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition, going in and out of consciousness. He was in stable condition as of Sunday night, law enforcement sources told CBS News.  

Police still haven’t pinned down if the dispute the attacker had was with Boyd’s group or another group that was there. It’s been a challenging investigative environment and police have not yet uncovered a motive, the sources said.

The NYPD released images of a man wanted for questioning in the case, saying he was last seen wearing a black hat, black sweatshirt, black pants, multicolored sneakers and carrying a black backpack. Police said he fled on foot, heading east on West 38th Street.   

Investigators are also searching for two luxury vehicles — a BMW and a Mercedes — that fled the scene. So far, no arrests have been made.

Adams said on social media, “I am praying for New York Jets player Kris Boyd and his loved ones. Although we’ve gotten shootings to historic lows in our city, we must continue to work to end gun violence. Too many young lives have been tragically altered and cut short by this epidemic.”

Kris Boyd’s NFL career  

Boyd signed a one-year contract with the Jets in March and has been on injured reserve due to a shoulder injury since August.

He previously played for the Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings, who drafted him out of Texas in 2019.

The Jets (2-8) did not have a game on Sunday after the team’s 27-14 loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday night.

At a nearby bar on Sunday, Jets fans responded to the news of Boyd’s shooting.

“I’m very sad. I hope he’s all right. I’m going to pray for him and for his family. God willing, he survives,” Scott Akos said.

“Tragic, it’s unbelievable what’s happening in the city nowadays,” Ruben Soto added.