Kris Boyd (American Football) is an American professional football cornerback currently playing for the New York Jets in the NFL.
Early Life and Education
Boyd was born and raised in Gilmer, Texas, where he attended Gilmer High School. He played both running back and defensive back under coach Jeff Traylor. As a sophomore, Boyd earned the Offensive Newcomer of the Year award in District 16-3A after rushing for 1,276 yards and 19 touchdowns while recording 18 tackles on defense. His senior season was historic, as he helped Gilmer win the 4A Division 2 state championship with a 16–0 record.
Aside from football, Boyd excelled in track and field, setting records in the 4×200-meter relay and finishing second in the 100-meter dash at the 2015 UIL 4A state meet.
College Career
Boyd played four seasons as a defensive back for the Texas Longhorns, appearing in 51 games and making 33 starts. Over his college career, he recorded 191 tackles, four interceptions, 40 passes defended, and several forced fumbles. He earned second-team All-Big 12 honors as a junior and first-team All-Big 12 as a senior. Boyd’s college career laid a strong foundation for his NFL journey.
Professional Career
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings selected Boyd in the 7th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $2.6 million contract, marking the beginning of his professional career. In his rookie season, he contributed 22 tackles, forced a fumble, and defended a pass. His role as a reliable special-teams player became a hallmark of his NFL career.
Arizona Cardinals & Houston Texans
In April 2023, Boyd signed with the Arizona Cardinals but was released in October. He then joined the Houston Texans practice squad, earning promotion to the active roster in December 2023. During the 2024 playoffs, he made headlines after forcing a fumble against the Kansas City Chiefs and later shoving his special teams coach in celebration — an incident for which he apologized.
New York Jets
On March 15, 2025, Boyd signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets, valued at $1.6 million. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve in August 2025 due to a shoulder injury.
Personal Life
Kris Boyd comes from a family with deep football roots. His brother, DeMarco Boyd, played linebacker for the Texas Longhorns. Two of his cousins, Bobby Taylor and Curtis Brown, also played in the NFL. Boyd has often credited his family for inspiring his dedication and work ethic.
New York Shooting and Health Condition
On November 16, 2025, Kris Boyd was critically injured in a shooting in New York outside a Midtown Manhattan restaurant. He was transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he is reported to be in critical but stable condition. The NFL community and fans have rallied around him, sending prayers for his recovery.
Net Worth and NFL Earnings
Kris Boyd’s career earnings and salary reflect his steady contributions in the NFL. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $11 million, with total NFL earnings accumulated from contracts with the Vikings, Texans, Cardinals, and Jets. His dedication to his career and professional growth has made him financially successful, even without reaching superstar status.
