Introduction
Kris Boyd, the 29-year-old NFL cornerback for the New York Jets, is currently fighting for his life after being shot in Midtown Manhattan. This shocking incident has sent shockwaves through the league. In this article, we’ll examine his condition, explore what happened during the shooting, and provide a detailed look at his career — including his stats, playing style, and journey as a cornerback.
1. Condition: Current Health Status
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On November 16, 2025, Boyd was shot in the abdomen outside the Sei Less restaurant in Midtown Manhattan.
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He was immediately taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he is listed in critical but stable condition.
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According to his close friend Ernest Quander (a former teammate at the University of Texas), Boyd is making progress, and “he’s doing real good.”
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The New York Jets released a brief statement: “We are aware of the situation … and will have no further comment at this time.”
2. Why Was He Shot? The Incident Explained
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Police reports indicate that the shooting followed a verbal dispute outside the restaurant, which escalated violently.
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Witness sources cited by media said two gunshots were fired, and the shooter(s) fled the scene in a BMW SUV.
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Another vehicle — reportedly a silver Mercedes-Maybach — also left the scene.
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So far, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
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The motive remains unclear — it’s not yet confirmed whether Boyd was specifically targeted.
3. Kris Boyd’s Career as a Cornerback
Early Life & College
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Boyd was born on September 12, 1996, in Gilmer, Texas.
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He played college football for the Texas Longhorns from 2015 to 2018.
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In his senior year (2018), he recorded 54 tackles, 15 passes defensed, and earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors.
NFL Career
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Boyd was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 7th round (217th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
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He spent four seasons with the Vikings before brief stints with the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans.
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In March 2025, he signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets.
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Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve in August 2025 due to a shoulder injury.
4. Stats: What the Numbers Tell Us
According to his latest available stats:
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Total tackles: 105
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Forced fumbles: 2
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Fumble recoveries: 5
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Pass deflections: 3
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Interceptions: 0 (as per the latest stats)
These numbers show he’s been primarily used in special teams roles, rather than as a starting cornerback.
5. Playing Style: How Boyd Operates as a Cornerback
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Physical build: At 5’11” and ~201 lbs, Boyd has a solid frame for a cornerback.
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Versatility: He has contributed significantly on special teams, which indicates he’s more than just a typical coverage corner — he’s willing to do the gritty work.
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Tackling ability: His 100+ tackles show he is not scared to be physical and make open-field tackles.
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Ball skills: While he hasn’t recorded many interceptions in the NFL yet, his college track record (15 pass deflections in 2018) suggests he has coverage instincts.
6. Impact of the Shooting on His Career
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The timing is especially tragic because Boyd had already been sidelined for the 2025 season due to his shoulder injury.
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The shooting not only threatens his health but also casts serious doubts on when — or even if — he can return to the field.
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The NFL community and his teammates have rallied around him, with many offering prayers and support publicly.
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The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome could have broader implications for player safety and off-field risk management in the league.
7. Conclusion: Why This Matters
Kris Boyd’s shooting is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be, even for professional athletes. Beyond the gridiron, this is a human story — a young man’s life, aspirations, and career hung in the balance.
From a sporting perspective, Boyd’s journey illustrates perseverance: a 7th-round pick who carved out a role on special teams and earned his spot in the NFL. His current condition is deeply concerning, and the motive behind the gunfire remains murky. As the investigation unfolds, the NFL world hopes for his full recovery.
