New information has shed light on the tense moments leading up to the shooting of New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd — including who he was with that night and why he rushed to leave a packed Manhattan hotspot.
Boyd is still in the hospital after undergoing several major procedures, while the NYPD races to piece together what happened in the early-morning chaos that stunned his teammates and fans.
From his hospital bed, the 29-year-old has already managed to give detectives a brief account of the incident, according to law enforcement sources. Investigators view his version of events as crucial and plan to question him again once his condition improves.
‘Something Felt Wrong’: Boyd Sensed Trouble Inside
Boyd had been spending the night at a trendy Manhattan restaurant with teammates Jamien Sherwood (linebacker), Irvin Charles (wide receiver), and another friend. What started as a relaxed evening quickly turned uneasy.
He reportedly told police that the mood inside shifted — arguments broke out, tempers flared, and the overall atmosphere became tense and hostile. He described feeling a bad “vibe,” like something was about to go wrong.
That feeling only grew worse when another group in the venue allegedly began mocking the players’ outfits, hurling insults and making fun of their clothing. Uncomfortable and on edge, Boyd and his group decided it was best to leave immediately.
Once they stepped outside, however, things escalated quickly. A confrontation erupted nearby on the street, and within seconds, shots were fired. One bullet struck Boyd in the abdomen and traveled into his lung, according to police sources.
Detectives are now working urgently to figure out who was involved in that street dispute and whether Boyd was simply caught in the crossfire or deliberately targeted. With no arrests so far, the case remains active and highly sensitive.
‘One of Our Guys’: Teammates Reeling, Fans United in Support
Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert spoke openly about how hard the news hit the locker room.
He called it “really tough” to hear that something like this had happened to “one of our guys,” and said the team is focused on Boyd and his family. Ruckert added that while it’s devastating, they’re grateful the injury was not immediately life-ending — especially given that Boyd is a father, and many teammates are thinking about his child and loved ones right now.
A team spokesperson also addressed the situation, as fans flooded social media with prayers and messages of support.
Boyd was shot on November 16, 2025. Video taken shortly after the incident and uploaded online shows a heavy police and emergency response presence outside the scene, now sealed off with barricades and crime scene tape.
Gunfire Outside Celebrity Hotspot Sei Less
The shooting occurred just after 2 a.m. on West 38th Street near Seventh Avenue, outside Sei Less — a high-end Asian-fusion restaurant popular with celebrities, athletes, and nightlife regulars.
Initially, police did not publicly confirm the victim’s identity. But multiple sources later revealed that the man who had been shot was Kris Boyd. He had reportedly been standing outside with friends when an argument erupted nearby.
According to law enforcement sources cited by The New York Post, the dispute escalated quickly and ended with two shots being fired. One bullet struck Boyd in the stomach, and the 5-foot-11 defensive back collapsed on the pavement.
Witnesses say the gunman then fled in a BMW X6 SUV. Another luxury vehicle — a silver Mercedes-Benz Maybach — was also seen speeding away shortly afterward. Investigators have not yet determined if Boyd was the intended target.
Some witnesses at the scene have refused to cooperate with detectives, leaving police with limited eyewitness accounts of what sparked the altercation and who exactly was involved.
Photos taken after the shooting show a Rhino GX — a high-priced armored SUV that can be worth up to $300,000 — parked near the cordoned-off area as NYPD officers secured the scene. Boyd reportedly drifted in and out of consciousness before being transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was listed in serious but stable condition as of Sunday evening.
The NYPD has confirmed that no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
Boyd joined the Jets earlier this year after previously playing for the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, and Houston Texans. Currently on injured reserve with a preseason shoulder injury, he has not yet played this season but remains under contract with the Jets on a $1.6 million deal for 2025. Over his NFL career, he has earned more than $8 million.
Disturbing Street Footage Shows Panic and Desperation
Soon after the shooting made headlines, graphic videos began circulating online, showing the frightening moments immediately after the gunfire.
In the clips, officers, medics, and bystanders crowd around Boyd as he lies motionless on the wet street. Friends appear to be kneeling near him, while first responders work urgently to treat his wound.
The scene is tense and strangely quiet — many people look stunned, some filming on their phones as police shout orders and try to maintain control of the area.
Paramedics can be seen lifting Boyd onto a stretcher, carefully stabilizing him before rushing him into a waiting ambulance.
A second video, filmed from across the street, shows officers blocking off traffic, placing cones, stringing yellow tape, and sweeping the ground with flashlights in search of shell casings and other evidence, all under the glow of Midtown’s neon lights.
Jets Issue Short Statement as League Monitors Situation
The large police perimeter and expanding crime scene underlined the seriousness of the shooting and the uncertainty surrounding the suspect’s identity and motive.
As the clips spread on social media and concern among fans grew, the Jets released a brief statement, choosing a cautious tone in light of the ongoing investigation:
“We are aware of the situation involving Kris Boyd and will have no further comment at this time,” a team spokesperson said in a statement shared with CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones.
The NFL has not made a public statement, but a league official confirmed to CBS Sports that it is in contact with the Jets. So far, neither the team nor the league has indicated whether the incident will trigger any specific league-level actions or reviews.
‘Prayers Up’: Fans Flood Social Media with Support
Across social media, reactions have been emotional and immediate. Fans and fellow players have posted messages of hope and solidarity, many simply calling for prayers for Boyd’s recovery.
One user wrote, “PRAYERS🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻,” a sentiment echoed repeatedly across platforms. Others shared similar messages such as, “Praying for him 🙏🏼,” and, “Praying for you man 💔.”
Many added words of encouragement: “Pull through, brother. All the best,” one message read. Another said, “God’s got you, bro. You got this. 🙏”
As police continue their search for answers and Boyd fights to recover, one thing remains constant: the steady wave of support from teammates, fans, and the broader football community — a powerful reminder of the impact he’s had both on and off the field.