New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd, 29, is in critical but stable condition after being shot in the abdomen in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, during the early hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that the incident occurred at approximately 2:00 AM local time (10:00 AM EAT) on West 38th Street.

According to multiple law enforcement sources cited by news outlets, the shooting followed a verbal dispute that escalated outside the Sei Less restaurant, an Asian fusion eatery. An unidentified individual reportedly fired two shots, one of which struck Boyd, before fleeing the scene. Boyd was subsequently transported to Bellevue Hospital for emergency medical treatment. As of Monday morning, EAT, no arrests have been made, and the NYPD's investigation is ongoing. Police are reportedly searching for suspects who fled in two luxury vehicles, a BMW X8 SUV and a silver Mercedes-Benz Maybach.

The New York Jets organization released a brief statement acknowledging the incident: “We are aware of the situation involving Kris Boyd and will have no further comment at this time.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams also commented on the shooting via social media, stating, "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."

Career and Background

Kris Boyd, a native of Gilmer, Texas, has built a career as a resilient cornerback and a notable special teams player in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft after a collegiate career at the University of Texas. Over his six-year professional career, Boyd has also played for the Arizona Cardinals and the Houston Texans. He signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets in March 2025. Boyd has been on the injured reserve list for the current season due to a shoulder injury sustained in August and has not yet played a game for the Jets.

Global Context: Violence and Professional Athletes

While this incident has no direct ties to Kenya or the East Africa region, it underscores the broader international issue of violence affecting professional athletes. Such high-profile events often spark global conversations about player safety, the pressures of public life, and the societal issue of gun violence, particularly in the United States. Research has indicated that athletes, particularly in high-contact sports, can be exposed to or involved in violent situations off the field. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by athletes, whose public profiles can sometimes attract unwanted attention or place them in precarious circumstances. The global sports community, including fans and organizations in Kenya, often follows the welfare of international sports figures, and incidents like these resonate widely, prompting discussions on athlete security and the societal factors that contribute to such violence.

Boyd's teammates and friends have expressed their support and prayers for his recovery on social media. A college friend, Ernest Quander, told the New York Post that Boyd was “recovering well” and was in “good condition.” The investigation into the shooting remains active as authorities continue to search for the perpetrator(s).