Kris Boyd, the Jets’ special teams standout, surprised his teammates Wednesday by showing up at the team facility just three weeks after being shot in the abdomen outside a Manhattan restaurant.
Boyd not only attended the special teams meeting but even broke down the session at the end, bringing energy and smiles to a team struggling through its 10th straight losing season. “Everyone gave him a dap, a high five, or a hug,” said defensive tackle Harrison Phillips. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert called it “a great moment for us to be around him and for him to be around us.”
Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson said seeing Boyd walking and smiling was “a blessing,” and a reminder of how dangerous guns can be. Boyd was shot late at night on Nov. 16 after leaving a Manhattan restaurant with teammates and a friend. Police say the shooting started over an argument about clothing. The bullet traveled to his lung and lodged in his pulmonary artery. Boyd underwent multiple procedures and posted updates about his recovery, including that he was “starting to breathe on my own.” The NYPD has identified a possible shooter, but no arrests have been made.
A Reminder of Off-Field Risks for Pro Athletes
Boyd’s visit also highlights a tough reality for pro athletes: late nights and public visibility can put them in risky situations. Recent incidents, like San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall being shot, show how quickly a night out can turn dangerous. Limiting nightlife risks and staying aware off the field is as important as performing on it.
For Boyd and the Jets, his appearance—smiling despite the injury—was a rare bright spot in a tough season.