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Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was assaulted by a crew of individuals inside a New York City hotel lobby 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 Pakinomist Digital. “Ronnie was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital following the incident, was later released and is resting at home with his family.”
Authorities told the New York Post that the incident took place in the lobby of the SIXTY LES hotel on Allen Street around 10 p.m. 4:30 a.m. ET, when Hickman was approached by four people 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 now investigating what led to the 24-year-old New Jersey native being attacked and whether being a professional soccer player is a factor.
The Post added that the suspects hit 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)
While Cleveland finished the year 5-12, their defense was a formidable unit, and Hickman came away with career highs in tackles (103), passes defensed (seven) and interceptions (two).
Hickman made his NFL debut during the 2023 season after joining Cleveland after 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 Cleveland Browns defender 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 make one of four bids for Hickman, giving them the opportunity to match an offer sheet from another team that might want to sign him.
