5 NFL Players Shot In Recent History: The Shocking Incidents Of 2024-2025

The line between professional sports stardom and the harsh realities of off-field violence has been brutally blurred in recent months, bringing a wave of shocking incidents to the forefront of the NFL world. As of December 12, 2025, the conversation around athlete safety and gun violence has reached a fever pitch following multiple high-profile shootings involving current and former football players, with the most recent case involving a New York Jets star leaving the sports community stunned and seeking answers. This article provides a detailed, up-to-date look at the recent incidents that have shaken the foundation of the league.

The severity and frequency of these events—from a critical shooting in a major metropolitan area to a terrifying case of mistaken identity—underscore a deeply troubling trend. We delve into the biographies of the players involved, the harrowing details of their incidents, and the broader context of why these high-profile figures are increasingly becoming targets of violence outside the stadium lights.

Detailed Profile: New York Jets Cornerback Kris Boyd

The most recent incident to dominate headlines involves New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd, who was critically injured in a shooting that occurred in midtown Manhattan.

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• Full Name: Kris Boyd
• Born: September 12, 1996
• Age: 29 (as of the incident)
• Position: Cornerback (CB)
• Current Team: New York Jets (NFL)
• Previous Teams: Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings
• College: University of Texas at Austin
• Draft: Selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
• Incident Date: Early morning hours of Sunday, November 16, 2025
• Location: Outside a restaurant in New York City
• Condition: Critically injured, but in stable condition, with a bullet lodged in his lung.
• Legal Status: A Bronx man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the shooting.

Boyd's teammates and the entire Jets organization expressed shock and support as he remains hospitalized at Bellevue Hospital, recovering from the serious injuries.

The Rising Trend: Shocking Shooting Incidents Involving Football Players (2024-2025)

The shooting of Kris Boyd is not an isolated incident but rather the latest in a disturbing series of violent acts targeting professional and college-level football players. These events highlight the persistent issue of gun violence and athlete vulnerability in high-risk environments.

1. Josh Reynolds: The Case of Mistaken Identity (2024)

In a shocking incident in Denver in 2024, former Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds was shot after being the victim of a terrifying case of mistaken identity.

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• Player: Josh Reynolds (Former Broncos WR, now with the Jets)
• Incident: Reynolds and two companions were followed after leaving a strip club and mistaken for individuals involved in a cocaine deal using fake money.
• Injuries: Reynolds was shot in the left arm and the back of the head. Fortunately, he did not suffer any major life-threatening injuries.
• Outcome: The incident led to charges being filed against the suspects, revealing the dangerous consequences of the mistaken identity scenario.

2. La'Andre Thomas: Shot by an Officer (2024)

Former Memphis Tigers football player La'Andre Thomas was fatally shot by an officer in December 2024 in Mississippi.

• Player: La'Andre Thomas (Former Memphis Tigers player)
• Incident: The 27-year-old died after being shot by an officer in Jackson, Mississippi. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was involved in the case.
• Impact: This tragic event reignited national conversations about police use of force and the safety of young athletes in their communities.

3. Brian Battie: Long Road to Recovery (2024)

Another tragic event occurred in May 2024, involving former Sarasota High football player Brian Battie and his brother, Tommie Battie IV.

• Player: Brian Battie (Former Sarasota High player)
• Incident: Brian and his brother were shot at a plaza in Sarasota.
• Outcome: Brian Battie was rushed to the hospital and faces a long and difficult recovery, while his brother, Tommie, tragically died that night.

The Broader Context: Athlete Safety and the Vulnerability of High-Profile Figures

These incidents, while varied in their specific circumstances—from targeted attacks to tragic cases of being in the wrong place at the wrong time—collectively point to a worrying trend: the heightened vulnerability of professional athletes. The combination of high visibility, significant wealth, and often a lack of privacy creates a dangerous environment that extends beyond the stadium.

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Mistaken Identity and Targeted Violence

The case of Josh Reynolds being mistaken for a "cocaine swindler" is a chilling example of how high-profile individuals can become unintended targets. The perception of athletes as having easy access to large sums of cash makes them targets for robbery, extortion, or, in this case, a tragic mix-up. This phenomenon of mistaken identity shooting highlights the need for increased security awareness among players, especially when in public or unfamiliar settings.

The Need for Enhanced Security and Education

The NFL and other sports organizations are under increasing pressure to address the off-field safety of their players. While players are responsible for their personal choices, the league has a role in providing resources on security best practices, risk assessment, and personal safety education. The critical condition of a star like Kris Boyd serves as a stark reminder that even in seemingly safe, high-traffic areas like Midtown Manhattan, danger can lurk.

The tragic loss of life and career-altering injuries from these shootings are not just sports stories; they are a reflection of broader societal issues. The entities relevant to this topic—including the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), local law enforcement agencies, and community anti-violence groups—must collaborate to find solutions that protect these high-value individuals and, by extension, the communities they represent. The hope remains that the recovery of players like Kris Boyd and the full investigation into these shocking acts will lead to meaningful changes in athlete safety protocols.