Ray Mickens is a former American football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. He was born on October 6, 1973, in Corsicana, Texas, and attended Texas A&M University, where he played college football for the Aggies.
Mickens was selected by the New York Jets in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He played for the Jets for eight seasons, from 1996 to 2003, and was known for his versatility and durability. He played in 128 games for the Jets, starting in 106 of them, and recorded 11 interceptions, 5.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles. He was also a valuable special teams player, returning 62 kickoffs for 1,384 yards and 2 touchdowns.
In 2004, Mickens signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent. He played in 12 games for the Patriots, starting in 2 of them, and recorded 1 interception and 1 forced fumble. He was released by the Patriots in 2005 and signed with the Cleveland Browns, where he played in 14 games, starting in 5 of them, and recorded 1 interception and 1 forced fumble.
Mickens retired from the NFL after the 2006 season. He finished his career with 12 interceptions, 5.5 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles in 154 games played, starting in 113 of them. He was also a two-time Pro Bowl alternate and a member of the NFL All-Rookie Team in 1996.
Off the field, Mickens has been involved in various charitable organizations and community service projects. He founded the Ray Mickens Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentoring programs for underprivileged youth in his hometown of Corsicana, Texas. He has also been a mentor and coach for young football players, helping them develop their skills and achieve their goals.
Overall, Ray Mickens had a successful career in the NFL, playing for three different teams and earning recognition for his versatility and durability. He has also made a positive impact off the field, using his platform to give back to his community and inspire the next generation of football players.
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