Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was treated and released for minor injuries resulting from being jumped by a group of unknown individuals while in New York City Feb. 16, the team confirmed.
The New York Post was the first to report the incident, which took place in the early morning hours of Feb. 16.
“Safety Ronnie Hickman was a victim of assault early Monday morning at a New York City hotel,” a Browns spokeman said in a statement. “Ronnie was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital after the incident, was later released, and is home resting with his family.”
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According to the Post’s report, Hickman was “approached by four” individuals around 4:30 a.m. in the lobby of the SIXTY LES hotel on Allen Street on the Lower East Side of Manhatten. A “dispute” broke out between the 24-year-old former Ohio State Buckeye and the four individuals.
The Post reported, “the suspects slugged Hickman and took off,” while Hickman was then transported to Bellevue Hospital, where he was treated for the injuries. The outlet also said the police are investigating whether Hickman’s status as an NFL player played a role in the incident.
Hickman graduated from De Paul Catholic High School in Passaic, N.J. Originally signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2023, the former Ohio State standout is an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Ronnie Hickman stats with the Browns
Hickman has started 26 of the 42 games in which he’s played over his three seasons in Cleveland. That includes all 17 games during the 2025 season, when he recorded two interceptions, seven passes defensed and a career-high 103 tackles.
The safety has three career interceptions, including one he returned for the a touchdown. He also recovered a fumble in 2024.
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns safety Ronnie Hickman reportedly assaulted at New York hotel
Reporting by Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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