Browns Safety Assaulted at NYC Hotel

Cleveland Browns say Ronnie Hickman was victim of attack in hotel lobby

Feb. 17, 2026 at 3:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cleveland Browns safety Ronnie Hickman was assaulted by a group of individuals in the lobby of a New York City hotel early Monday morning, according to a statement from the team.

Why it matters

Assaults on professional athletes are concerning incidents that raise questions about player safety and security, especially when they occur in public spaces. The Browns will likely investigate the matter further and may seek legal action against the perpetrators.

The details

The Browns did not provide any additional details about the assault, such as the identities of the individuals involved or the specific circumstances that led to the incident. It's unclear if Hickman sustained any injuries or what may have prompted the attack.

  • The assault occurred early Monday morning in the lobby of a New York City hotel.

The players

Ronnie Hickman

A safety for the Cleveland Browns.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Safety Ronnie Hickman was a victim of assault early Monday morning at a New York City hotel,”

— Browns spokesperson (1010 WCSI)

What’s next

The Browns and local authorities are likely investigating the incident to determine the details and identify the perpetrators.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for increased security and safety measures to protect professional athletes, especially when they are traveling and in public spaces.