Ronnie Hickman, nicknamed ‘Rocket,’ launched his NFL journey last year and is currently living the dream he had since he was 5. After showcasing a stellar college football performance, the former Ohio State safety and UDFA was competing for a roster spot. And soon enough, he got it. The Cleveland Browns put pen on paper and signed the 23-year-old as an undrafted free agent in the 2023 NFL draft. Not much later, the team announced that the rookie had made it to the initial 53-man roster.

Hickman started out as a safety and wide receiver in high school in South Orange, New Jersey. After graduating from high school, he went on to start for Ohio State. And guess who were his biggest cheerleaders since Day 1? His parents. So, let us tell you about jersey number 33’s biggest supporters: his dad, Ronnie Hickman Sr., and mom, Hanifah.

Who are Ronnie Hickman’s parents?

Father-son relationships are always special. And Ronnie Hickman’s story is a true testament to that. Their bond, ever since Ronnie was a young boy, has only grown stronger. In fact, Ronnie Hickman Sr. was the one who nicknamed the rookie ‘Rocket‘. The name wasn’t a reflection of the athlete’s speed. Instead, it was about how Hickman, as a toddler, attempted to take off before even learning how to walk!

Ronnie’s love for football started right when he was a young boy. He started playing with the Maplewood–South Orange Packers youth football organization, where his father and mother served as the commissioner and president, respectively. The 6’1″safety for the Browns often acknowledges his parents as one of the biggest supporters in his earliest football career.

His mother, Hanifah, also never failed to give Ronnie the support he needed while growing up. A normal day for his parents was involved in organizing daylong game events at Underhill Football Field. But, despite their busy schedules, Ronnie’s parents always tried to be available for their son’s game.

But even if they missed a game, Hickman Jr. never really felt his parents’ absence because he always knew they had his back. “I am thankful for them,” said Ronnie. “They were always around. I knew they were there.” And for that reason, their son is making waves in the NFL and living his dream.

Hickman’s journey from Ohio State to the NFL

While at DePaul Catholic High School, Ronnie played a crucial role in the school’s junior year’s state Non-Public Group 3 title win. From 2019 to 2022, he enjoyed his precious football moments at the Ohio State University. However, an injury in his senior high school year restricted him from initial games, and later, he started just five games on the special team in 2020.

But he came back strong in 2021 and started all 13 games. Ronnie Hickman racked up 99 tackles, two interceptions, a sack, and a touchdown. The following year and in his last year at OSU, he racked up 53 tackles and an interception and started in all 13 games. With that solid performance backing him up, he entered the 2023 NFL draft.

The Cleveland Browns signed Ronnie Hickman, and in his first season with them, he grabbed his first interception and scored his first touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 17. While the Browns may be struggling this season, there’s a lot more to come from Ronnie. And we can’t wait to see him turning into a shining NFL star!