The Cleveland Browns have had a busy offseason, moving on from Kevin Stefanski and hiring Todd Monken as their new head coach. Soon enough, they’ll be focused on improving a roster that went just 5-12 this season.
But the Browns are in the news on Monday for reasons entirely out of their control.
This time, it’s because Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was assaulted by four people in Manhattan. The incident occurred in the lobby of the Sixty Les hotel on Allen Street in Manhattan just after 4:30 a.m.
Investigators are still trying to determine whether Hickman was specifically targeted because of his profession as an NFL player, or if the attackers even knew who he was.
The four men reportedly attacked Hickman, then fled the scene. Hickman was then taken to a nearby hospital in Bellevue, where he was listed in stable condition before later being released.
The Browns have released a short statement on the incident.
“Safety Ronnie Hickman was a victim of assault early Monday morning at a New York City hotel. Ronnie was treated for minor injuries at an area hospital after the incident, was later released, and is home resting with his family.”
Authorities have not revealed whether they have made any corresponding arrests related to the attack on Hickman.
Hickman is coming off the best season of his career, where the former undrafted free agent signee started all 17 games. He recorded a career-high 103 tackles (1 TFL), seven pass deflections, and two interceptions.
He’s set for restricted free agency this offseason, where he’s set himself up to earn a big raise from the $1.04 million salary earned in 2025.
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