New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd is clinging to life at Bellevue Hospital after being shot in the abdomen during an early Sunday morning altercation outside a Midtown Manhattan restaurant.

The 29-year-old NFL player was struck by gunfire on West 38th Street near Seventh Avenue shortly after 2 a.m., according to the New York Post, with law enforcement sources confirming that gunmen fired two shots during a dispute that turned violent.

Boyd lapsed in and out of consciousness before being rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. The Jets confirmed Boyd's involvement in the incident, with a team representative stating, "We are aware of the situation involving Kris Boyd and will have no further comment at this time."

Shooting Occurred Outside Celebrity Hotspot

The shooting took place outside Sei Less, an Asian-fusion restaurant popular among celebrities, hip-hop stars, and music industry figures. Boyd was with a group of friends outside the trendy establishment when a dispute erupted, though law enforcement sources told the New York Post it remains unclear whether he was the intended target.

The restaurant issued a statement Monday clarifying that the shooting happened outside its premises after closing. "Since the onset of the police investigation, we have been fully cooperative with law enforcement and shared the appropriate security footage to assist their inquiry," the statement said.

Club founder Dara Mirjahangiry previously boasted on Good Morning America that rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs once bought drinks for the entire house during a visit. Photos from the scene showed a Rhino GX luxury armored SUV, manufactured by US Specialty Vehicles and selling for up to $300,000, parked outside the restaurant after police arrived.

Suspects Fled Scene in Luxury Vehicles

Law enforcement sources said the shooter fled the scene in a BMW X6 SUV immediately after the gunfire. A second vehicle, identified as a high-end silver Mercedes-Benz Maybach, also departed the scene following the shooting.

Witnesses at the scene were uncooperative with police, hampering the initial investigation. NYPD investigators canvassed the area for evidence as they worked to piece together the circumstances surrounding the violent altercation.

Police said no arrests have been made and the shooting remains under active investigation. Authorities have not publicly identified Boyd as the victim, though sources confirmed his identity to the New York Post.

Boyd Sidelined Entire Season With Injury

The 5-foot-11 defensive back joined the Jets at the beginning of the season but has not appeared in a single game. Boyd suffered a shoulder injury during preseason practice and is currently listed on injured reserve.

The cornerback signed a $1.6 million contract to play for the Jets this season, according to sports salary tracking site Spotrac.com. He has earned more than $8 million over his NFL career.

Boyd began his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings before the 2019 season and has also played for the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans. The Jets were not scheduled to play Sunday after losing to the New England Patriots on Thursday night.

Lessons to Learn

1. Nightlife disputes can turn deadly without warning. This incident highlights how quickly a disagreement can escalate in high-pressure social environments. Even well-known public figures can find themselves caught in dangerous situations without notice.

2. Staying aware of surroundings is essential. Whether you're a celebrity or an everyday citizen, being vigilant about the places you visit and the people around you can help reduce risks — although it's not a guarantee of safety.

3. Crime is indiscriminate, and victims are not to blame. It’s crucial to remember that no matter what precautions are taken, anyone can be a victim of violent crime. Responsibility lies solely with those who commit these acts, not with those affected by them.

Why This Story Matters

This story serves as a sobering reminder of the increasing instances of violence in public spaces, including areas that would typically be considered safe due to their affluence or prestige. When prominent public figures like Kris Boyd are affected, it brings national attention to an issue that many deal with daily, unnoticed. The incident also underscores the need for continued efforts in community policing and cooperation between businesses and law enforcement. Only by solving such crimes can public trust be maintained or restored. Most importantly, it reminds all of us that fame or fortune does not offer immunity from real-world dangers, and safety is a shared responsibility.

Conclusion

New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd was shot early Sunday morning, Nov. 16, outside the Sei Less restaurant in Midtown Manhattan after a confrontation turned violent. He is currently hospitalized at Bellevue in critical but stable condition. The incident involved two gunshots and remains under investigation by the NYPD, with no arrests made and few witnesses cooperating. Boyd had not played this season due to injury and remains on the Jets' injured reserve list. Fleeing high-end vehicles and limited witness accounts leave many questions unanswered. The restaurant has shared surveillance footage, and the Jets have confirmed Boyd’s involvement in the shooting. The story remains developing as detectives work to piece together what happened in one of the city’s most active nightlife districts.