Death, taxes—and some NFL team realizing that they need a proven performer at some point in the season—those are the three things one can count on.

In the case of the NFL, former Washington Husky receiver Jaydon Mickens is always ready for whatever an NFL team needs.

One of Washington’s OG Legion of Zoom members, Mickens went undrafted in 2016 but had found his way to the NFL each season since he left Washington.

In 2021 he helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win Super Bowl LV as the primary kickoff returner.

This past season Mickens was passed twice by Rome Odunze, first in total career yards, dropping to 7th all-time.  Then against Texas in the Sugar Bowl Mickens was also dropped to 3rd all-time for total career receptions.  He totaled 2,906 all-purpose yards for UW.

For his career at Washington in 53 games Mickens caught 203 passes for 2,187 yards and 12 touchdowns.  He also had 3 scores on 32 carries for 190 yards.  Additionally, on returns he had 429 return yards.

In the NFL he’s had two stints with the Jacksonville, Oakland, Carolina, the New York and last season, even at 29 years old he was game-ready when the Indianapolis Colts came calling in December.

Now, 30 years old and his former Washington Legion of Zoom teammates John Ross and Marvin Hall have since retired from the game  Mickens waits for his phone to ring.