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Chargers rookie quietly gets what he always wanted after Broncos sign J.K. Dobbins

Originally posted on Bolt Beat | By Jason Reed | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Six weeks after being slapped with the rare UFA tender by the LA Chargers, running back J.K. Dobbins signed a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos. Chargers fans now have to accept the reality that a Dobbins reunion won't happen, and instead, he will directly help a bitter rival.

Even if Dobbins returned, he would have played a small role in a running back rotation that now includes Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton. Fans expected the running back to pursue a better opportunity; they just weren't prepared for that opportunity to happen with a rival.

While Chargers fans may not be happy about Dobbins signing with the Broncos, there is one person who is happy. With Dobbins guaranteed to leave, sixth-round pick R.J. Mickens is finally getting what he wanted all along: No. 27.

#Chargers rookie RJ Mickens has changed his number from 41 to 27.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) June 11, 2025

R.J. Mickens finally gets No. 27 on the Chargers after J.K. Dobbins signs with Broncos

This isn't a sudden change for Mickens. The rookie safety wanted No. 27 from the jump and only switched over to No. 41 when it seemed like Dobbins was going to return.

Mickens initially picked No. 27 when he was drafted by the Chargers but quietly changed the number after Dobbins was tendered. Many fans assumed this guaranteed Dobbins' return, although it is clear now it was just a precaution by Mickens.

Ironically enough, Mickens didn't even wear No. 27 in college at Clemson. The former Clemson safety wore No. 9 during his college days. That number is available in Los Angeles, so it is unclear why Mickens chose No. 27 instead.

Funny enough, Mickens didn't even wear No. 27 during high school; he wore No. 24. Mickens doesn't have any sort of history with the number on the football field but it is clear that he wanted to wear it all along with the Bolts.

Mickens has a chance to leave a mark on a number that has had a mixed history with the Chargers. While several franchise greats have worn the number, the recent history of the number has not been as noteworthy.

Dobbins, J.C. Jackson, Essang Bassey, Joshua Kelley, and Jaylen Watkins are the last five players to wear the number in Los Angeles. Mickens does not have to accomplish much in LA over his four-year rookie deal to leave a bigger impact than those players.

This article first appeared on Bolt Beat and was syndicated with permission.

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