Ronnie Hickman Jr. Bio
Ronnie Hickman Jr. (born October 11, 2001) is an American professional football safety for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Browns after the 2023 NFL draft. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 209 pounds, Hickman wears jersey number 33 and plays a hybrid role in the Browns secondary.
Hickman grew up in the New York metropolitan area before moving to New Jersey for high school, where he developed into one of the top defensive recruits in his class. Although he entered the NFL without being selected in the draft, he quickly earned a roster spot and has worked his way into a starting role with Cleveland.
Early Life and Background
Ronnie Hickman Jr. was born on October 11, 2001, in Manhattan, New York, and raised in South Orange, New Jersey. He grew up in a region known for producing talented football players, and he attended DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, New Jersey. At DePaul Catholic, Hickman played both safety and wide receiver, giving him an early understanding of coverage and receiving routes.
His senior year at DePaul Catholic was cut short by an injury, but his reputation as a versatile defender had already been established. Hickman was selected to play in the 2019 All-American Bowl, one of the premier high school all-star games in the country. That recognition helped him become a heavily recruited prospect on the East Coast.
Beyond football, Hickman was also an accomplished lacrosse player. He earned All-American honors in lacrosse and originally committed to Rutgers University for the sport before ultimately choosing to play football at Ohio State University. His background in two competitive sports shaped his athleticism, footwork, and field awareness.
Path to American Football
Hickman’s path to the professional ranks followed a steady climb through high school competition, national all-star recognition, and a Big Ten college program. After committing to Ohio State, he redshirted his first year to recover from the injury he suffered during his senior season of high school, preserving a year of eligibility.
Once healthy, Hickman moved quickly through the Buckeyes’ depth chart. He appeared in five games during the 2020 season primarily on special teams, recording five tackles. That limited role gave the coaching staff a clear look at his work ethic, tackling technique, and understanding of defensive schemes.
In 2021, Hickman became a full-time starter and was recognized with Second-team All-Big Ten honors after finishing the year with 99 tackles, two interceptions, a sack, and a touchdown. The following season, he earned Third-team All-Big Ten recognition while continuing to start every game for Ohio State. After the 2022 college season, Hickman declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ronnie Hickman Jr. Career
Early Career (2023)
Ronnie Hickman Jr. signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023, shortly after the conclusion of that year’s NFL Draft. Going undrafted meant he had to compete for a roster spot during training camp, and he made an impression on the Browns’ coaching staff with his physicality and tackling in the secondary.
On August 29, 2023, the Browns announced that Hickman had made the team’s initial 53-man roster, validating his work through the offseason program and preseason. His first career interception came in Week 17 of his rookie season during a victory over the New York Jets, when he picked off quarterback Trevor Siemian and returned the ball 30 yards for his first NFL touchdown.
Cleveland Browns Breakthrough (2025–Present)
Hickman entered the 2025 season with an expanded role in the Browns’ defense and emerged as a full-time starter. He recorded a career-high 103 total tackles, signaling his growth as a reliable presence in the back end of Cleveland’s defense. His ability to play near the line of scrimmage and contribute in run support became a defining feature of his game.
During the 2025 campaign, Hickman also added two interceptions to his resume, further demonstrating his ball skills and range as a safety. His continued development has given the Browns a young homegrown contributor in their secondary and a player who fits their defensive identity.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although football does not involve driving, Hickman’s playing style is built on physicality, instincts, and versatility. He is effective against the run because of his tackling form and willingness to come downhill against ball carriers, and he has shown the coverage range to handle tight ends and slot receivers. His lacrosse background contributes to fluid movement and strong hand-eye coordination when tracking the ball in the air.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Hickman’s most memorable career moments is his first NFL interception and touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 17 of his rookie season. He has also reached notable statistical milestones with the Browns, including surpassing 170 career tackles and reaching a career-high 103 tackles in a single season in 2025.
Ronnie Hickman Jr. Career Wins
Ronnie Hickman Jr.’s professional resume centers on team victories and individual statistical accomplishments rather than trophy counts. Since joining the Cleveland Browns, he has been part of multiple regular-season wins and has helped the defense hold opponents in check during key stretches of the schedule.
Other Wins & Performances
Hickman earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2021 and Third-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2022 during his time at Ohio State. His 2025 season with the Browns, in which he set a career high with 103 tackles, stands as his strongest professional performance to date.
Ronnie Hickman Jr. Family
Personal Life
Public details about Ronnie Hickman Jr.’s personal and family life are limited. He was raised in South Orange, New Jersey, and is known to maintain a presence on social media, where fans can follow his career updates. There is no widely verified public information about a spouse, children, or parents in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Ronnie Hickman Jr.’s emergence as a full-time starter in the Cleveland Browns secondary. He set a new career high with 103 total tackles, showcasing his consistency and durability across the full schedule. His presence helped stabilize the back end of the defense for a young Browns team.
In addition to his work against the run, Hickman added two interceptions during the 2025 campaign, reinforcing his value as a playmaker in coverage. His growth between his rookie year and his second full professional season demonstrated clear improvement in route recognition and ball production.
Looking ahead, Hickman is expected to remain a core part of the Browns’ defensive plans, with continued opportunity to build on his 2025 production and develop into one of the team’s longest-tenured homegrown contributors in the secondary.