Browns Safety Ronnie Hickman Assaulted in New York, Recovering After Hospitalization
Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman is recovering after being assaulted early Monday morning outside a hotel in New York City. According to police reports, Hickman was confronted by four individuals in the lobby of the SIXTY LES hotel on the Lower East Side around 4:30 a.m. A dispute broke out, and the group reportedly attacked him before fleeing the scene.
Hickman, 24, was hospitalized following the incident but is said to be in stable condition and was believed to have been discharged later that afternoon. Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack, including whether the assailants recognized Hickman as an NFL player.
The former Ohio State standout has been one of the more compelling stories on the Browns roster. After going undrafted in 2023, Hickman signed with Cleveland and steadily worked his way up the depth chart.
In 2025, he broke through as a starter, appearing in all 17 games and making a strong impression with 103 tackles-51 of them solo-along with two interceptions. For a player who redshirted his first year in college to recover from a high school injury, Hickman’s rise has been a testament to his persistence and talent.
The Browns have leaned on Hickman’s versatility and physicality in the secondary, and his presence has become increasingly valuable in a defense that prides itself on toughness and discipline. His ability to read offenses and close quickly on plays has made him a reliable asset in both run support and coverage.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Police continue to investigate, and more details are expected as the situation develops.
This incident comes on the heels of another troubling event involving an NFL player. Just a week ago, San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keion White was shot in the ankle during an altercation that reportedly involved rapper Lil Baby. That case also remains under investigation.
For now, Hickman’s health and recovery are the top priorities. The Browns and the NFL community will no doubt be keeping a close eye on developments, as the league continues to deal with the off-field safety concerns facing its players.