Kris Boyd’s health takes alarming turn after recovery

New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd faced a troubling setback in his recovery from a gunshot wound, returning to the hospital nearly two weeks after the initial incident that left him fighting for his life. The 29-year-old player shared an emotional update with fans while authorities continue searching for the person who shot him.

Boyd was hospitalized on Nov. 16 after being shot in the abdomen during a dispute outside a Manhattan restaurant in the early morning hours. The bullet traveled through his body, eventually lodging in his pulmonary artery after passing through his lung, according to police reports.

The cornerback underwent multiple medical procedures following the shooting and appeared to be making progress. He posted on Nov. 19 that he was starting to breathe on his own, a positive sign that suggested his recovery was moving forward.

A concerning reversal

That progress hit an unexpected roadblock when Boyd revealed Wednesday night through social media that he had been forced to return to the hospital due to health complications. The specific nature of those issues remains unclear, but the readmission suggests his condition may be more serious than initially believed.

Jets coach Aaron Glenn addressed Boyd’s situation during a Friday press conference, acknowledging the team’s concern while admitting he needed to gather more information about the player’s current status. The coach confirmed that Boyd had experienced an issue requiring hospitalization but couldn’t provide additional details.

A Jets spokesman offered no further updates about Boyd’s condition or the reason for his hospital return. The lack of specific information has left teammates, fans and the broader football community worried about the young player’s health and recovery timeline.

The original incident

The shooting occurred outside a trendy midtown Manhattan restaurant shortly after 2 a.m. on Nov. 16. Boyd was with teammates Jamien Sherwood and Irvin Charles along with another friend when the confrontation happened.

Police reports indicate the dispute stemmed from an exchange of words between Boyd and another group who were making comments about their clothing. What began as verbal sparring escalated dramatically when someone pulled out a weapon and fired.

Boyd was immediately transported to Bellevue Hospital where he spent the first three days listed in critical but stable condition. The severity of his injuries required intensive medical intervention, particularly given the bullet’s path through vital organs and its final position in his pulmonary artery.

Recovery complications

Gunshot wounds to the abdomen can create numerous complications during recovery. The bullet’s trajectory through Boyd’s lung and into his pulmonary artery made his case particularly complex from a medical standpoint.

Even after initial treatment stabilizes a patient, risks remain for weeks or even months afterward. Infections, internal bleeding, blood clots and organ dysfunction can all emerge as delayed complications requiring additional hospitalization and treatment.

Boyd’s need to return to the hospital nearly two weeks after the shooting suggests one or more of these potential complications may have developed. The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs, making any issues in that area especially dangerous and requiring immediate medical attention.

An emotional message

Despite his frightening health situation, Boyd maintained a remarkably positive outlook in his social media update. He apologized for not being in better communication with people who have reached out, explaining that his health issues have made it difficult to respond.

The cornerback expressed deep appreciation for everyone who has prayed for him or sent messages of support. He acknowledged their concern while asking them to be patient as he focuses on recovery.

Boyd ended his message with a powerful statement of faith, writing that he’s keeping his head high because God isn’t finished with him yet. He added a green heart emoji, a reference to the Jets’ team colors, showing his connection to the organization remains strong.

Investigation continues

While Boyd fights for his health, law enforcement continues working to identify and apprehend the person responsible for shooting him. The New York Police Department identified a potential shooter last week, according to reports, but no arrests have been made.

An NYPD spokesman confirmed Friday morning that the investigation remains ongoing. The lack of an arrest nearly two weeks after the incident raises questions about the challenges investigators face in building a case.

Witnesses present during the shooting have presumably provided statements to police, but identifying the specific individual who fired the weapon in what was apparently a chaotic early-morning confrontation may prove difficult. Surveillance footage from the area could provide crucial evidence.

Impact on his career

Boyd was placed on season-ending injured reserve during training camp, meaning he wasn’t active for the Jets this season even before the shooting occurred. The serious nature of his current health crisis raises questions about his football future.

Recovery from a gunshot wound that damaged his lung and affected his pulmonary artery will require extensive rehabilitation. Whether he can return to the physical condition necessary to compete at the NFL level remains uncertain.

The Jets organization has rallied around Boyd during this difficult period. His teammates and coaches have expressed support while respecting his privacy as he deals with both the physical trauma of being shot and the emotional toll of the entire experience.

Boyd’s situation serves as a sobering reminder that professional athletes face dangers off the field that have nothing to do with the sport they play. His fight continues as doctors work to address whatever complications forced his return to the hospital.