Kris Boyd, a cornerback for the New York Jets, is fighting to recover after he was seriously hurt in a shooting in Midtown Manhattan in mid-November 2025. The incident happened early on November 16 outside Sei Less, a popular restaurant on West 38th Street. A confrontation broke out on the sidewalk, things escalated quickly, and Boyd was shot in the abdomen. The bullet traveled upward and became stuck in his lung. Emergency crews rushed him to Bellevue Hospital, where doctors performed surgery and several follow-up procedures. He’s still in the hospital in critical but stable condition, and both medical teams and people around the NFL are watching his recovery closely.
What Happened That Night
Boyd, who is 29, had been out with friends at Sei Less. After the restaurant closed, an argument started between his group and another man. Witnesses say the exchange turned heated fast. At least two shots were fired, and one hit Boyd. First responders found him drifting in and out of consciousness before rushing him to the hospital.
Police say the shooter ran off on foot, heading east, then got into a BMW SUV. Cameras in the area captured a man in dark clothing and multicolored sneakers carrying a backpack. Another car—a Mercedes-Benz Maybach—was also seen leaving around the same time, and investigators are looking into whether it’s connected.
Medical Condition and Treatment
Doctors at Bellevue operated as soon as Boyd arrived. Because the bullet damaged both his abdomen and lung, surgeons had to control internal bleeding and deal with the trauma to his chest. Though his condition is still very serious, doctors say he’s stable. People close to the team say he was aware enough at times to speak briefly with detectives about what led up to the confrontation.
The Jets released a short statement acknowledging the situation but made it clear they wouldn’t be giving more details out of respect for Boyd and his family.
Police Investigation
Detectives haven’t said whether they believe Boyd was specifically targeted or whether the fight was random. They are reviewing video footage, speaking with everyone involved, and following up on leads from the scene. Boyd’s early comments from the hospital have helped police piece together the sequence of events, though he remains under close medical care.
New York’s mayor publicly offered support for Boyd and used the moment to call attention to the ongoing challenges of gun violence in the city.
Reaction Across the NFL
The news stunned people around the league. Players and fans flooded social media with messages of support. Some Jets fans showed up outside the hospital hoping for good updates about his recovery.
Before the shooting, Boyd had signed a one-year deal with the Jets worth $1.6 million, but a shoulder injury during the preseason kept him off the field for the entire year. Before joining the Jets, he played for the Texans, Cardinals, and spent four seasons with the Vikings, who drafted him in 2019.
Who Kris Boyd Is
Boyd grew up in Texas and played college football at the University of Texas, where he became known for his speed and aggressive play style. In the NFL, he built a reputation as a reliable cornerback and a strong special-teams contributor. Although he never became a full-time star, he earned respect for his work ethic, energy, and toughness. Teammates often describe him as upbeat, loyal, and someone who gives back—he’s been involved in youth sports programs and community events in every city he’s played in.
Bigger Conversations Sparked by the Shooting
The incident has reignited debate around safety for athletes who spend time in crowded nightlife areas, especially in major cities. It has also added to the wider conversation about gun violence in New York. With Boyd’s story spreading quickly, public officials and community leaders have renewed calls for reducing gun crime and protecting both residents and public figures.
As of now, the shooter still hasn’t been caught. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward, and investigators are tracing the vehicles spotted near the scene.
Community Response
Fans and members of the football community have shown strong support. Many people have left messages outside the Jets’ practice facility, and social media feeds are filled with prayers, well-wishes, and frustration that something like this happened at all. For many, the incident feels like yet another reminder of how unpredictable urban violence can be.
Where Things Stand Now
Doctors say Boyd’s condition is still serious, and the bullet lodged in his lung creates ongoing risks, including infection and breathing complications. No one can predict how this will affect his football career. For now, the focus is strictly on his recovery, and those close to him say he’ll need a long time to heal.
Police continue to pursue leads, study surveillance videos, and interview witnesses. Both cars seen leaving the area are being tracked down to determine what role—if any—they played. More updates are expected as the investigation moves forward.
Boyd Beyond Football
People who know Boyd say he’s always been someone who brings energy to a locker room. Off the field, he’s known for helping kids and supporting community programs. Friends and teammates say his resilience and positivity give them hope that he’ll push through this difficult period.
Media Attention and Privacy
The story has drawn heavy coverage from national outlets and local New York stations. Even with the extra attention, Boyd’s family has asked for privacy, and the Jets have echoed that request. Reporters are covering the story, but the team and medical staff are limiting what information they release.
Looking Ahead
As Boyd continues to recover, his situation has become part of broader discussions about safety, crime, and the pressures athletes face. Whether he returns to football or not, this event will likely have a lasting impact. The investigation is still ongoing, medical teams are closely watching his progress, and the NFL community remains in his corner as he works toward healing.