Ronnie Hickman Jr. Bio
Ronnie Hickman Jr. is an American professional football safety for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. Born on October 11, 2001, in Manhattan, New York, he emerged as a promising defensive back after an outstanding college career at Ohio State University. Hickman entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and quickly established himself with the Browns organization.
Early Life and Background
Ronnie Hickman Jr. grew up in South Orange, New Jersey, where he attended DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, New Jersey. During his high school years, he played both safety and wide receiver, showcasing his versatility and athletic ability on the field. Hickman’s exceptional performance earned him recognition as a top prospect, leading to his selection for the prestigious 2019 All-American Bowl.
Before focusing solely on football, Hickman was a standout lacrosse player, earning All-American honors in the sport. He originally committed to Rutgers University to play lacrosse at the collegiate level. However, after further consideration, he chose to pursue football full-time and shifted his commitment to Ohio State University, one of the nation’s premier football programs.
Path to Professional Football
Hickman’s journey to the NFL was marked by steady development and increasing responsibility at Ohio State. After redshirting during his freshman season in 2019 to recover from an injury sustained during his senior year of high school, he began making an impact on special teams during the 2020 season, appearing in five games and recording five tackles.
His breakthrough came in 2021 when he started all 13 games for the Buckeyes. Hickman recorded 99 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and scored a touchdown, demonstrating his ability to make plays all over the field. His outstanding performance earned him Second-team All-Big Ten honors. He continued his strong play in 2022, starting 13 games with 53 tackles and one interception, earning Third-team All-Big Ten recognition.
Ronnie Hickman Jr. Career
College Career (2019–2022)
Ronnie Hickman Jr. played for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2019 to 2022. After his redshirt season in 2019, he served primarily on special teams in 2020, gaining valuable experience while contributing in limited appearances. The 2021 season marked his emergence as a full-time starter, where he showcased his range, instincts, and playmaking ability across 13 starts.
His senior season in 2022 saw Hickman continue his development as a reliable defender in the Buckeyes’ secondary. After the conclusion of the 2022 season, he made the decision to enter the 2023 NFL Draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility to pursue his professional football career.
Cleveland Browns Breakthrough (2023)
Hickman signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. Despite not being drafted, he impressed coaches during the offseason and preseason. On August 29, 2023, the Browns announced that Hickman had made the team’s initial 53-man roster, securing his spot on the roster as a rookie.
His rookie season included a memorable moment in Week 17 when the Browns faced the New York Jets. Hickman recorded his first career interception off quarterback Trevor Siemian and returned it 30 yards for his first NFL touchdown, providing a highlight-reel play that demonstrated his ball skills and athleticism.
Cleveland Browns Era (2023–Present)
Building on his rookie season experience, Hickman entered the 2025 campaign with increased opportunities. He emerged as a full-time starter for the Browns defense and delivered his best professional season to date. In 2025, he recorded a career-high 103 total tackles and two interceptions, establishing himself as a core member of the Browns’ secondary.
Playing Style and Strengths
Ronnie Hickman Jr. plays the safety position with instincts and physicality. His experience covering receivers and making plays in the box has translated well to the professional level. He demonstrates good range in coverage and has shown the ability to contribute both against the pass and the run. His collegiate background at Ohio State, which features complex defensive schemes, prepared him well for the multiple responsibilities required of NFL safeties.
Notable Events and Milestones
The highlight of Hickman’s early NFL career came during his rookie season when he returned his first career interception for a touchdown against the New York Jets. This play showcased his ability to create game-changing moments on defense. As he continues to develop, he has built upon that foundation, reaching 100-tackle territory in 2025 as a full-time starter.
Ronnie Hickman Jr. Career Wins
Throughout his time with the Cleveland Browns, Ronnie Hickman Jr. has accumulated significant playing time and production as a safety in the NFL. His career statistics reflect his development from a special teams contributor to a starting defensive back.
NFL Highlights
Through his first three seasons with the Browns, Hickman has established himself as a reliable defender in the NFL. His career totals include 173 total tackles, 3 interceptions with 61 interception return yards, 11 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 defensive touchdown. His 2025 season was particularly notable as he recorded a career-high 103 tackles and 2 interceptions while emerging as the team’s primary safety.
College Achievements
Prior to his professional career, Hickman earned All-Big Ten recognition during his tenure at Ohio State. He was named Second-team All-Big Ten following his breakthrough 2021 season and earned Third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2022. His 26 career starts across two seasons demonstrated his consistency and ability to perform at a high level in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
Ronnie Hickman Jr. Family
Family Background
Ronnie Hickman Jr. grew up in South Orange, New Jersey. Information regarding his parents and family background remains private and is not extensively documented in public sources. His athletic family includes a football legacy, as his father, Ronnie Hickman Sr., has been involved in coaching and developing young athletes in the New Jersey area.
Personal Life
Hickman maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Twitter account. He continues to represent the Cleveland Browns as a key member of their defensive backfield. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marked a significant milestone in Ronnie Hickman Jr.’s professional career. He entered the season as a projected starter and delivered on that expectation by emerging as the Browns’ primary safety. His 103 total tackles represented the highest single-season output of his career, demonstrating his durability and ability to stay on the field for significant defensive snaps.
Hickman recorded two interceptions during the 2025 season, bringing his career total to three. His development as a playmaker in the Browns’ secondary contributed to the team’s defensive efforts throughout the season. The continuity of working within the Browns’ defensive system has allowed him to refine his responsibilities and improve his communication with teammates.
Looking ahead, Hickman appears positioned to remain a key contributor for the Browns defense. His progression from undrafted free agent to full-time starter represents the type of player development that teams value. As he enters his third NFL season, he carries momentum from his breakthrough 2025 campaign and aims to build upon that foundation as a core member of Cleveland’s defensive backfield.