Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was assaulted by four men early Monday morning inside the lobby of the SIXTY LES hotel in Manhattan's Lower East Side during New York Fashion Week
17:29 ET, 16 Feb 2026
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 17: Ronnie Hickman Jr. #33 of the Cleveland Browns defends in coverage during an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on August 17, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
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Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was assaulted at a New York City hotel(Image: Ryan Kang, Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was attacked in the early hours of Monday morning within the entrance area of the SIXTY LES hotel situated in Manhattan's Lower East Side, confirmed by both law enforcement and the team.
The altercation occurred approximately 4:30 a.m. on February 16, 2026, following the conclusion of New York Fashion Week festivities throughout the city. SIXTY LES sits at 190 Allen Street and has earned a reputation as a Fashion Week afterparty destination, largely through its shuttered rooftop space, Make Believe.
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According to the New York Post, four individuals at the hotel's entrance confronted Hickman. Stories differ regarding what sparked the confrontation; some sources claim the group identified him as an NFL athlete and became hostile when he ignored them, whilst alternative accounts suggest a heated conversation escalated into violence. Meanwhile, a Bad Bunny Super Bowl decision has been made after an investigation into his halftime show.
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Authorities reported the assailants punched and beat Hickman before escaping.
Meanwhile, the FCC was forced to shut down complaints over Bad Bunny's choice of words during his record-breaking Super Bowl halftime show.
As of Monday afternoon, authorities have made no arrests, and the NYPD is reviewing security camera recordings to locate the assailants. The Browns released a statement acknowledging the attack.
"Safety Ronnie Hickman was a victim of assault early Monday morning at a New York City hotel," a Browns spokesperson said. "Ronnie was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital after the incident, was later released, and is home resting with his family."
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 19: Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman (33) leaves the field following the National Football League game between the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns on October 19, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Hickman was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital following the attack(Image: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Hickman was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where medical staff determined he was in stable condition before releasing him. The medical facility sits approximately 17 minutes by car from the upscale hotel situated in NYC's Lower East Side, a neighborhood celebrated for its desirable location, culinary excellence, and vibrant evening entertainment.
The establishment also implements strict reservation protocols and exclusive guest-only spaces to safeguard the anonymity of high-profile figures and professional athletes. Its rooftop showcases top-tier DJs spinning afrobeats, Latin, and house music.
Surrounding establishments within half a mile, including The Cutting Room and CBGB, have welcomed performances from Lady Gaga and U2.
The property sits in close proximity to multiple Michelin-starred dining establishments within a five-block area. Team representatives confirmed that Hickman is anticipated to recover completely.
Browns safety Ronnie Hickman makes a play against the Cincinnati Bengals
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Hickman has played three seasons for the Browns since entering the NFL in 2023(Image: Getty)
The 24-year-old defensive back delivered an impressive 2025 campaign, appearing in all 17 contests as a starter for Cleveland. Hickman put up 103 tackles, 51 unassisted stops, and two interceptions across more than 1,000 defensive plays. His performance rating placed him among the top third of NFL safeties, posting a coverage passer rating of 66.8.
A former Ohio State star, Hickman has established himself as a dependable Browns safety since his 2023 arrival, amassing 173 tackles and three interceptions across three campaigns. The unfortunate incident occurred amid a hectic NFL offseason for the Browns.
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Cleveland is presently in possession of 10 draft picks, which include two first-round selections at spots 6 and 24. The squad is undergoing a substantial revamp, featuring a new head coach, Todd Monken, and his team, along with 26 prospective free agents.
This list includes tight end David Njoku, who has already declared he won't be rejoining the franchise.