Jets Cornerback Kris Boyd Clings to Life in Critical Condition After Late-Night Shooting Outside Manhattan Hotspot

New York, NY – November 16, 2025In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the NFL community, New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd remains in critical but stable condition at Bellevue Hospital following a brazen shooting in the heart of Midtown Manhattan early Sunday morning. The 29-year-old defensive back, who has been sidelined all season with a shoulder injury, was struck in the abdomen during what authorities describe as a dispute that escalated into gunfire outside the trendy Asian fusion restaurant Sei Less.

The incident unfolded around 2 a.m. ET on West 38th Street near Seventh Avenue, just blocks from Madison Square Garden. According to NYPD sources, Boyd was part of a group outside the celebrity-frequented speakeasy—known for drawing athletes like Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown and rapper Fabolous—when an argument turned violent. Witnesses reported hearing two shots ring out before the assailant fled the scene in a blue BMW X8 SUV, with a Mercedes-Benz Maybach also speeding away, per law enforcement accounts cited by the New York Post. The bullet lodged in Boyd's lung, leaving him "clinging to life" as paramedics rushed him to the hospital.

No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing. Police are urging witnesses to come forward, noting that some have been uncooperative thus far. A person of interest—a man last seen fleeing in the BMW—remains at large, and the motive behind the shooting is still unclear. "This was a targeted altercation that spiraled out of control," one source close to the probe told ABC7 New York. The NYPD has ramped up patrols in the area, a bustling nightlife district where crime rates have been on a downward trend post-pandemic.

The Jets organization issued a terse statement Sunday afternoon: "We are aware of the situation involving Kris Boyd and will have no further comment at this time." Boyd, a seventh-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 out of the University of Texas, signed a one-year, $1.6 million deal with New York in March to bolster the secondary and special teams. His season was cut short after a preseason shoulder injury on August 2, but teammates and fans alike have rallied around him in the wake of the tragedy.

Fellow Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II took to X (formerly Twitter) to plead for prayers, posting: "Everybody please send prayers to my brother and teammate Kris Boyd and his family!!! Lord please hold your healing hand over Kris and guide him back to health and safety." The post quickly garnered thousands of likes and shares, with messages of support flooding in from across the league. Former teams, including the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans, where Boyd also played, echoed the sentiment in brief acknowledgments.

As the Jets prepare for their next matchup following a 27-14 loss to the New England Patriots on Thursday, the focus has shifted from the gridiron to the waiting room at Bellevue. Boyd's agent has not responded to requests for comment, but medical updates indicate he is under close observation in the ICU. The NFL Players Association has also extended its support, emphasizing resources for crisis intervention.

This shooting marks a stark reminder of the perils lurking beyond the stadium lights, especially in a city where high-profile athletes often navigate nightlife scenes teeming with admirers and opportunists. As detectives comb through surveillance footage and canvass the neighborhood, the football world holds its breath for positive news on Boyd's recovery. Updates will follow as they become available.

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