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Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was hospitalized after a hotel assault, per the team.
Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was hospitalized after being assaulted in New York on Monday.
The incident involving Hickman was first reported by the New York Post, which provided additional details and described the assailants as “thugs” and “goons.” No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
“Cleveland Browns star safety Ronnie Hickman was jumped by a crew of thugs at a trendy Lower East Side hotel Monday,” the New York Post reported. “Hickman, 24 — a New Jersey native who just finished a breakout season as a starter for the Browns — was approached by four goons in the lobby of the SIXTY LES hotel on Allen Street in Manhattan shortly after 4:30 a.m. and a dispute broke out, police and sources said. Cops are investigating whether the gridiron safety’s attackers recognized him as playing for the Cleveland NFL team.”
The Browns released a statement regarding Hickman after the news came out.
“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,” the statement said.
Hickman has yet to issue any statement on social media.
Ronnie Hickman Coming Off Solid Season With Browns
Hickman started all 17 games last season with the Browns. He ranked third on the team with 103 tackles. Hickman also nabbed two interceptions.
It was a big jump for Hickman, who had played sparingly previously. The undrafted rookie started nine games in his previous two seasons combined. Hickman has used his undrafted status as motivation throughout his career.
“Going undrafted, that feeling, it’s not a feeling that you’ll ever really forget,” Hickman said ahead of last season. “With (safeties coach Ephraim) Banda, we talked when I first came here, whenever you feel like you’re missing something, just open up that feeling you had when you didn’t get a phone call. So I remind myself every time I step on the field. Every time I step in this building that the rent is due every day.”
Hickman is set to become a restricted free agent in March. However, it’s widely expected that he’ll remain with the Browns.
Browns Hire New Defensive Coordinator
Hickman will have a new coordinator he’s reporting to, with the Browns bringing in Mike Rutenberg to replace Jim Schwartz, who resigned earlier this month.
Rutenberg most recently served as the Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator. He brings more than 15 years of NFL experience, having worked in multiple defensive roles across the league.
He served as the linebackers coach for the New York Jets from 2021-24 under head coach Robert Saleh. His resume also includes defensive stops with the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Washington Commanders.
Rutenberg will have plenty to work with in Cleveland. Hickman, Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell anchor a talented secondary. And with Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett headlining the front, the Browns’ defense — which allowed 283.6 yards and 22.3 points per game last season — has the foundation to take another step forward.
J.R. DeGroote JR DeGroote is a staff writer for Heavy.com, where he has covered the NFL, NBA, and trending sports stories since 2019. His work focuses on some of the most passionate fanbases in sports, including reporting on the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers. More about J.R. DeGroote
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