R. J. Mickens
R. J. Mickens is an American professional football [Safety (gridiron American football|football position)|safety] for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League. He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Chargers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Early life
Mickens attended Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas, where he played both sides of the ball on the football team. On offense he rushed for 39 yards and two touchdowns, while also bringing in 61 receptions for 1,092 yards and 14 touchdowns. On defense Mickens notched 211 tackles with six going for a loss, two sacks, 32 pass deflections, eight interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and eight forced fumbles. He committed to play college football for the Clemson Tigers over others schools such as Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M.
College career
As a freshman in 2020, Mickens had one tackle. In week 2 of the 2021 season, he had his first career interceptions, as helped Clemson beat South Carolina State. Mickens finished the 2021 season with 29 tackles with 0.5 tackle being for a loss, and two interceptions. In the 2022 regular season finale, he had a big goal line tackle and an interception, but he was ejected due to targeting in the third quarter, as the Tigers fell to their rival South Carolina. Mickens finished the 2022 season with 48 tackles with three going for a loss, two pass deflections, and three interceptions. He was named Preseason Third-Team All-American by Pro Football Focus for the 2023 season.
Professional career
Mickens was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 214th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Personal life
Mickens is the son of former NFL cornerback Ray Mickens.