Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was involved in a frightening episode after he was attacked by a group of thugs at a hotel in New York.
Early Monday morning in Manhattan, the calm of the city’s Lower East Side was shattered for the 24-year-old, who is a teammate of Shedeur Sanders, when he was jumped the group.
Just after 04:30 local time, the NFL standout was confronted by a group of men in the lobby of the SIXTY LES hotel on Allen Street – an encounter that quickly turned violent.
Hickman was struck before the assailants fled, leaving him shaken but ultimately not seriously injured.
Hickman, a New Jersey native who recently completed a breakout season with the Browns, was transported to Bellevue Hospital. There, he was treated for minor injuries and released later that morning.
“Ronnie was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital after the incident, was later released, and is home resting with his family,” the Browns said in a statement.
Police are investigating whether the attackers recognized Hickman as an NFL player. No arrests have been made, and details about the motive remain scarce.
How Hickman was targeted
Law enforcement sources said four men approached Hickman in the hotel lobby, and a dispute escalated quickly.
The safety was punched, and the group fled before police could intervene. While the immediate threat has passed, the incident highlights the vulnerabilities that even high-profile athletes can face off the field.
Hickman‘s athletic journey makes the news particularly striking.
A former Ohio State standout and a graduate of De Paul Catholic High School in Passaic, New Jersey, he went undrafted in 2023 before joining the Browns.
After a breakout 2025 season as a starter, he emerged as a key contributor to the team’s defense and a rising star in the league.
The attack has reverberated among teammates, fans, and analysts. Social media reactions poured in, offering support and well-wishes.
What lies ahead in the offseason
While off-field incidents like this are rare, they can impact a player’s preparation and focus, especially when contract negotiations loom.
Hickman is set to become a restricted free agent when the NFL filing deadline arrives next month, and sources expect him to re-sign with the Browns on a projected $7 million to $8 million per year contract.
Despite Monday’s assault, Hickman appears focused on recovery. The Browns officials emphasize that he is resting at home with his family and will continue to receive support from the team.
Police are continuing their investigation, and authorities are seeking any leads that could identify the assailants.
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