The NFL is learning of some devastating news regarding one of their young stars. News of an assault in the middle of the night has make headlines across the league. This isn’t the first time in recent past where a player was the victim of an attack.
Here are the full details.
New York State Police and Putnam County Sheriffs look over the 2019 Toyota at the end of the chase on Route 22 and Old Milltown Road in the town of Southeast early this morning Sept. 5, 2019. The car was reported stolen earlier in the Mamaroneck. State police chased the vehicle up I-684 and were joined by Putnam Sheriffs before stopping the vehicle and taking the driver into custody. © Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News, Rockland/Westchester Journal News via Imagn Content Services, LLC NFL
New York State Police and Putnam County Sheriffs look over the 2019 Toyota at the end of the chase on Route 22 and Old Milltown Road in the town of Southeast early this morning Sept. 5, 2019. The car was reported stolen earlier in the Mamaroneck. State police chased the vehicle up I-684 and were joined by Putnam Sheriffs before stopping the vehicle and taking the driver into custody. © Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News, Rockland/Westchester Journal News via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Cleveland Browns Safety Ronnie Hickman Jumped by Four Men in Manhattan Hotel: NFL Star Suffers Minor Injuries in Early-Morning Brawl
Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was the victim of a violent assault early Monday morning (February 16, 2026) at a luxury hotel in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, but the NFL player escaped with only minor injuries and has since been released from the hospital.
According to TMZ and law enforcement sources, the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. at the SIXTY LES hotel on the Lower East Side. Hickman was reportedly approached by a group of four men who recognized him as an NFL player. What began as a verbal confrontation quickly escalated into a physical fight in the hotel lobby, where Hickman was jumped and assaulted.
The suspects fled the scene before police arrived. Hickman was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries. The Cleveland Browns issued a brief statement confirming:
“Ronnie Hickman was treated for minor injuries following an incident in New York early this morning. He is resting at home with his family and is in good spirits.”
No arrests have been reported as of Monday afternoon, and the NYPD investigation remains active. Surveillance footage from the hotel lobby is expected to be reviewed as part of the probe.
Ronnie Hickman’s NFL Background
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman (33) is introduced prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman (33) is introduced prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Hickman, 24, is a young but promising safety for the Browns. Originally signed as an un-drafted free agent out of Ohio State in 2023, he has developed into a reliable special teams contributor and occasional defensive back. In the 2025 season, he started all 17 games, recording 103 tackles, 7 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. His hustle and versatility made him a favorite among coaches and fans in Cleveland.
This incident comes during the NFL offseason, as players across the league prepare for free agency, the combine, and the 2026 season. While the assault appears random and unrelated to any ongoing team matters, it once again highlights the off-field risks that NFL players can face in public settings.
Fortunately, Hickman’s injuries are described as minor, and he is already recovering at home with family support. Browns Nation has rallied online with messages of encouragement and well-wishes, trending phrases like #PrayForRonnie and #BrownsStrong in the hours following the news.
No further updates on suspects or charges have been released. The Browns organization is monitoring the situation closely and providing support to Hickman during his recovery.
Our thoughts are with Ronnie Hickman and his family. Get well soon, and stay safe out there. Have thoughts on this incident or Ronnie’s role with the Browns? Drop them below!
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