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Chargers' rookie R.J. Mickens describes 'Welcome to NFL' moment with Vikings interception

Originally posted on Los Angeles Chargers on SI
By Richie Whitt | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 3:13 PM ET

Oronde Gadsden received all the flowers after the Los Angeles Chargers ' blowout victory of the Minnesota Vikings Thursday night. And deservedly so.

But there was another rookie who made a significant impact on the win that improved the Bolts to 5-3.

Gadsden in the fifth round and R.J. Mickens in the sixth round looks like a couple of late-round steals right about now.

Covering All-Pro Vikings' receiver Justin Jefferson, Mickens got his first career NFL interception when quarterback Carson Wentz through high over the middle.

rj mickens is all over it

| @nflonprime pic.twitter.com/RNPzFdAmzN
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 24, 2025

"I was like, 'Dang, I just got a pick covering Justin Jefferson and Carson Wentz on Thursday Night Football,'" Mickens said. "I grew up watching those players through high school and college. Just to be on the same field as them and making plays against them is really special. I'm thankful."

The Chargers are pretty grateful, as well, for the picks made by general manager Joe Hortiz. It's not often that NFL overall draft picks No. 165 and 214 make final rosters, much less impacts on a winning team with an eye on a division championship and a playoff run.

Gadsden has filled the void at tight end left by the disappointing seasons of Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin. Mickens was on the field against the Vikings after All-Pro safety Derwin James left with an ankle injury.

Said Chargers' head coach Jim Harbaugh, "They're getting their opportunity, they're capitalizing and making the most of it."