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Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was attacked by a gang of individuals in the lobby of a New York hotel early Monday morning, 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 PK Press Club Digital. “Ronnie was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital following the incident and was later released and is resting at home 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 Hickman was approached by four individuals and an argument 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 currently investigating what led to the 24-year-old New Jersey native’s attack and whether being a professional football player was 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 by 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 playoff football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 13, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
While Cleveland finished the year 5-12, their defense was a formidable unit, and Hickman recorded career highs in tackles (103), passes defended (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, along with 25 combined tackles.
Hickman also has a big offseason coming up, 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 to place one of four offers on Hickman, allowing them to match an offer from another team that might want to sign him.
