Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman suffered minor injuries in an early-morning assault at a Manhattan hotel on Monday, police confirmed.
The New York Police Department said officers responded to a 911 call at 4:35 a.m. reporting an assault inside the lobby of the SIXTY LES hotel on the Lower East Side.
“Upon arrival, officers were informed that four unidentified individuals punched a 24-year-old male about the body following a verbal dispute,” police said. “The suspects fled the location in an unknown direction.”
Police have not announced any arrests and the investigation remains ongoing.
Emergency personnel transported Hickman to Bellevue Hospital, where doctors treated him for minor injuries. He later left the hospital in stable condition.
The Browns released a statement later Monday confirming his status.
“Ronnie Hickman was a victim of assault early Monday morning at a New York City hotel. Ronnie was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital after the incident, was later released, and is home resting with his family.”
Authorities have not said whether the suspects recognized Hickman as an NFL player during the altercation.
Breakout season before free agency
Hickman, 24, completed his third season with Cleveland in 2025 and moved into a full-time starting role in the secondary.
He recorded a career-high 103 total tackles and two interceptions during the season.
Cleveland signed Hickman as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State in 2023. He has since appeared in 41 games and totaled 173 tackles, three interceptions and one fumble recovery.
He is scheduled to become a restricted free agent next month and remains on the Browns’ roster.
From New Jersey standout to NFL starter
Hickman grew up in South Orange, New Jersey, and attended DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne. There, he played both safety and wide receiver.
He earned selection to the 2019 All-American Bowl before committing to Ohio State.
Before focusing on football full-time, Hickman earned All-American honors in lacrosse and initially committed to Rutgers University for that sport.
At Ohio State, he developed into a key defensive contributor before entering the NFL ranks in 2023.
For now, the Browns say Hickman is home resting with his family as police continue to investigate the assault.
READ NEXT: DOUG MOE DIES AT 87 AS DENVER NUGGETS PAY TRIBUTE TO FRANCHISE-DEFINING COACH
