Cleveland Browns Ronnie Hickman Assaulted in NYC Hotel: Victim of Early Morning Attack by Group of Four
Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was assaulted early Monday morning in the lobby of a trendy Lower East Side hotel in New York City, according to reports from law enforcement sources and the team.
The incident occurred shortly after 4:30 a.m. at the SIXTY LES hotel on Allen Street. Hickman, 24, was approached by a group of four people, which led to a dispute.
The suspects then physically attacked him, described in some accounts as “slugging” or punching the NFL player before fleeing the scene. Sources tell the New York Post that police are investigating whether or not the assailants knew he was an NFL player.
Hickman was later taken to the hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. He is believed to have been released since.
#Browns say safety Ronnie Hickman was a victim of assault early Monday morning at a New York City hotel and was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital, later released, and is now home resting with his family.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 16, 2026
The @nypost reported Hickman was jumped by a crew of thugs at… pic.twitter.com/f51zlO6feb
The Cleveland Browns issued a statement confirming the assault.
“Safety Ronnie Hickman was a victim of assault early Monday morning at a New York City hotel,” a team 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.”
No arrests have been reported, and the suspects remain at large. The NYPD is searching for the four individuals involved.
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This is the latest instance of an NFL player becoming a victim of a crime in Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s city.
Three months ago, New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd was shot in the abdomen and critically wounded in Midtown Manhattan. The shooting took place around 2 a.m. after a dispute escalated outside the Sei Less restaurant.
Boyd remains in ongoing recovery from the shooting that left a bullet lodged in his lung. He was readmitted to the hospital shortly after an initial release due to health complications.
Hickman, who went undrafted in 2023 but earned a roster spot and became a starter, is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, with projections for a contract in the $7-8 million range annually based on his recent performance.
The Browns organization has expressed support for their player as he recovers. Authorities continue to gather evidence from the upscale hotel incident.