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Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was assaulted by a group of people inside the lobby of a New York City hotel early Monday, the team said.
“Safety Ronnie Hickman was the victim of an assault early Monday morning at a New York City hotel,” a Browns spokesperson said in a statement to Pak Gazette Digital. “Ronnie was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital after the incident, was later released and is home resting with his family.”
Authorities told the New York Post that the incident occurred in the lobby of the SIXTY LES hotel on Allen Street around 4:30 a.m. ET, where four people approached Hickman and a dispute ensued.
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Safety Ronnie Hickman of the Cleveland Browns celebrates during player introductions before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field on December 21, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Police are now investigating what led to the 24-year-old New Jersey native’s attack, and whether being a professional football player is a factor.
The Post added that the suspects beat him and then fled the scene.
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Hickman was in stable condition after the assault and was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he was released later Monday.
Hickman, who went undrafted out of Ohio State, is coming off a breakout season with the Browns after starting all 17 games.
Ronnie Hickman of the Cleveland Browns runs during an AFC Wild Card Playoff football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
Although Cleveland finished the year 5-12, its defense was a formidable unit, and Hickman posted career highs in tackles (103), passes defensed (seven), and interceptions (two).
Hickman made his NFL debut during the 2023 season after joining Cleveland following the draft. He had a pick six in his 10 games that season, as well as 25 combined tackles.
Hickman also has a big offseason ahead of him as he is a restricted free agent with the Browns.
Ronnie Hickman Jr. of the Cleveland Browns defends in coverage during an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 17, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
Cleveland has the option of placing one of four offers for Hickman, allowing them to match an offer sheet from another team that wants to sign him.
