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Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was assaulted early Monday morning in the lobby of a New York City hotel, adding another troubling chapter to what’s already been a rough offseason for the franchise.
Hickman sustained minor injuries in the attack. He was taken to an area hospital for treatment before being released.
The incident happened after 4:30 a.m. ET at the SIXTY LES hotel, according to The New York Post. Four people approached Hickman — who’s from New Jersey — in the lobby, and a dispute broke out. The suspects punched the 24-year-old before fleeing the hotel.
“Safety Ronnie Hickman was a victim of assault early Monday morning at a New York City hotel,” the Browns said in a statement. “Ronnie was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital after the incident, was later released, and is home resting with his family.”
Police haven’t made any arrests yet.
The Cleveland Browns Have Already Had A Mess Of An Offseason
It’s been a turbulent few months in Cleveland, to say the least. The coaching search turned into a drawn-out mess after owner Jimmy Haslam insisted that any new head coach retain defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Schwartz actually interviewed for the top job himself. The Browns ended up hiring former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken instead.
Following that decision, Schwartz left the organization — reportedly feeling snubbed by how the whole process played out.
Then there’s the quarterback situation. Monken is reportedly considering naming Deshaun Watson as the team’s starter in 2026, ahead of polarizing young quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Watson’s been recovering from a torn Achilles tendon; he returned to practice with the team in December. According to reporter Mary Kay Cabot, some within the organization felt he looked like the best quarterback on the field during that stretch.
Hickman, who starred at Ohio State before joining the Browns, is now back home recovering from Monday’s attack.
