Mike Mickens

Mike Mickens (born July 24, 1987 in Huber Heights, Ohio) is a former American football cornerback who played in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at the University of Cincinnati.

Mickens helped lead Wayne High School to two league titles and received All-Greater Western Ohio Conference honors twice. He also practiced track and field, winning the 300-meter hurdles All-State title as a junior.

He accepted a scholarship to play for the University of Cincinnati, where he became a starter (10 games) and an impact player in his freshman season, registering 51 tackles (sixth on the team), 14 passes defensed and one interception. The next year, he moved to left cornerback and registered 59 tackles (sixth on the team), 15 passes defensed and 2 interceptions. He received All-American honors as a junior, after registering 53 tackles, 6 passes defensed and 6 interceptions (second on the school single-season record).

Mickens elected to return to school for his senior season, but suffered a left knee injury on November 20, 2008, during a practice. He missed the last 3 regular season games and returned to play in the Orange Bowl, but struggled in the contest. He finished the year with 70 tackles (second on the team), 10 passes defensed and 4 interceptions. He left as the school's career leader in interceptions (14) and interception return yards (296).

Dallas Cowboys

Mickens was considered a possible first round talent, but ended up being selected in the seventh round (227th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He dropped because of concerns about a left knee injury he suffered in college, that caused him to run 4.53 at his Pro Day.

He was released before the start of the 2009 season, after showing a lack of speed and quickness. He was signed to the practice squad with the hope that he could return to his old form.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad on November 2, 2009. He was declared inactive in three games, before being released on November 24.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals signed him to their practice squad on November 30, 2009. He was released on April 15, 2010.

Calgary Stampeders (CFL)

Mickens signed with the Calgary Stampeders on May 31, 2010. He was released on June 9 and decided to retire because of injury.

In 2011, he was a defensive assistant at the University of Cincinnati. In 2012, he was a defensive assistant at Indiana State University. In 2013, he became the cornerbacks coach at the University of Idaho.