With Minnesota trying to get things rolling after getting down three possessions, the Chargers sixth-round rookie was in the right spot to corral a high throw by quarterback Carson Wentz and quickly give the ball back to the Bolts.
As he ran to celebrate his first takeaway, the rookie put everything into perspective on what the moment meant to him.
"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," Mickens added. "I'm thankful."
Mickens has been relied upon heavily in recent weeks and was even more important on Thursday night with Derwin James, Jr., leaving the game early with an ankle injury.
The comfort continues to grow for him, however, as the support from those around him have let him seize the opportunity.
"I've still been preparing the same way," Mickens said. "I've been preparing the same way and getting that boost of confidence and that trust. That your coaches trust you, the front office trusts you and your teammates believe in you, it was easy.
"Just making that transition was smooth with my teammates," Mickens added.
A year after the Chargers 2024 rookie class had a big hand in the season, the last couple of weeks have been shaping similarly as a number of rookies have had their name called and delivered in big ways.
Thursday night was yet another example of it, as the young players continue to show they're ready to contribute when needed.
"\[It says\] that we've been working," Gadsden said. "The coaching staff has done a great job developing us to be able to be pieces in the team that can help win games each and every week."
Harbaugh added: "They're getting their opportunity, they're capitalizing and making the most of it."