Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that Ronnie Hickman was approached by four goons in the lobby of the SIXTY LES hotel on Allen Street in Manhattan, New York City, a little after 4:30 AM. A verbal dispute took place. The suspects punched the Cleveland Browns safety and fled from the scene. Hickman was taken to Bellevue Hospital, treated for minor injuries, and later released. The Browns released a statement saying that after being discharged, the safety is at home resting with his family.
Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman attacked by four men after verbal dispute
Authorities responded to a 911 call at 4:35 AM Monday reporting an assault in a hotel lobby. The police told The Post, “Upon arrival, officers were informed that four unidentified individuals punched a 24-year-old male about the body following a verbal dispute. The suspects fled the location in an unknown direction.” According to the New York Police Department, no arrests were made, but an investigation will continue.Sources told NBC New York that Hickman was at the front desk when four men recognized him and tried to talk to him. When he tried to dismiss them, the men got angry and allegedly punched him in the face. The men then ran away. TMZ Sports reported that the incident comes months after New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd was shot outside a famous Midtown Manhattan restaurant. Boyd is still dealing with complications from the shooting, and someone was arrested and charged in the violent incident.
Ronnie Hickman’s breakout season was 2025
The Ohio State alumnus signed with Cleveland as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He played mainly on special teams and filled in for accomplished NFL safeties Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit. In 2024, PFF ranked Hickman the league’s 14th-best safety even though he was not a full-time starter. In 2025, the DePaul Catholic alumnus started all but one game and played 98% or more of the defensive snaps throughout the season. He recorded a career-high 103 total tackles, including 51 solo and 52 assisted, with two interceptions, one tackle for loss, and seven passes defended. Over three years, Hickman has totaled 173 tackles, 94 solo and 79 assisted, with 11 passes defended, three interceptions, and two tackles for loss in 41 games.
