Michael Richard Mayer Bio
Michael Richard Mayer is an American professional football tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 6, 2001, in Independence, Kentucky, Mayer emerged as one of the most accomplished tight ends in college football history during his three seasons at the University of Notre Dame. He finished his collegiate career as Notre Dame’s all-time receptions leader at the tight end position with 180 catches, a record that surpassed the previous mark held by Tyler Eifert. The Las Vegas Raiders selected Mayer with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has since become a reliable receiving threat for the franchise.
Early Life and Background
Mayer grew up in Independence, Kentucky, where he developed his passion for football at a young age. He attended Covington Catholic High School in Park Hills, Kentucky, a program known for producing talented collegiate athletes. During his senior year in 2019, Mayer delivered an exceptional performance, recording 49 receptions for 970 yards and 15 touchdowns. His outstanding play earned him the prestigious Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year award, recognizing him as the top high school football player in the state.
His high school career also included recognition beyond state borders. Mayer was selected to play in the 2020 All-American Bowl, one of the nation’s premier high school all-star games featuring the top graduating seniors. His impressive athleticism and receiving ability attracted attention from major college programs across the country. After considering several options, Mayer made his decision to continue his football career at the collegiate level by committing to play for the University of Notre Dame and join the Fighting Irish program.
Path to American Football
Mayer’s transition from high school to college football came seamlessly. He arrived at Notre Dame in 2020 and immediately earned the starting tight end position as a true freshman, a rare achievement that spoke to his maturity and talent. Playing in a Notre Dame offense that featured a traditional tight end-friendly system, Mayer had the opportunity to showcase his abilities against some of the top defenses in college football. His early success provided a foundation for what would become a historic collegiate career.
Throughout his three seasons at Notre Dame from 2020 to 2022, Mayer developed into one of the most reliable receiving targets in the country. His consistency and ability to create mismatches against both linebackers and defensive backs made him a focal point of the Fighting Irish passing attack. The experience he gained as a young player, combined with his work ethic and football intelligence, positioned him as a top NFL prospect heading into his junior year.
Michael Richard Mayer Career
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2020–2022)
Mayer’s collegiate career began with immediate impact in the 2020 season. As a true freshman, he started every game at tight end and established himself as a reliable receiving option in the Notre Dame offense. His ability to high-point passes, run after the catch, and find soft spots in zone coverage set him apart from other players at his position nationally. The 2020 season ended with him earning Third-team All-ACC honors, validating his standing as one of the conference’s top tight ends.
The 2021 season saw Mayer elevate his game to an even higher level. He posted impressive reception totals while consistently making clutch catches in crucial situations. His performance throughout the season earned him recognition on the national stage, as he was named a Third-team All-American. This accolade placed him among the elite players in college football and solidified his reputation as a premier tight end prospect for the NFL.
His senior season in 2022 proved to be the defining chapter of his college career. Mayer surpassed Tyler Eifert to become Notre Dame’s all-time receptions leader at tight end, finishing with over 140 career catches. He was named a Consensus All-American, becoming the first Notre Dame player to earn that distinction since Ken MacAfee in 1976. This accomplishment placed him in the company of college football’s all-time greats and significantly boosted his NFL draft stock heading into the 2023 professional season.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2023–Present)
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Mayer with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The selection addressed a need for offensive playmakers and reflected the franchise’s belief in Mayer’s ability to contribute immediately. Mayer signed his rookie contract and joined a Raiders team looking to build around young talent while competing in the competitive AFC West division.
Mayer’s rookie season got off to a solid start as he earned playing time in the Raiders’ offense. He achieved his first professional touchdown in Week 10 against the New York Jets, a milestone moment that validated his transition to the NFL level. Throughout his rookie campaign, Mayer appeared in 14 games with 12 starts, demonstrating his ability to handle a significant workload. He finished his first professional season with 27 receptions for 304 yards and two touchdowns, showing promise as a reliable target in the passing game.
The 2024 season saw Mayer continue his development within the Raiders’ offensive scheme. He appeared in multiple games and contributed to the team’s passing attack, finishing the season with 21 receptions for 156 yards. His consistency as a blocker and receiver made him a valuable two-way tight end option for the coaching staff. As he entered his third professional season in 2025, Mayer worked to expand his route-running repertoire and increase his chemistry with the Raiders’ quarterbacks.
Playing Style and Strengths
Mayer possesses the size, speed, and ball skills that NFL teams seek in a modern tight end. At 6 feet 4 inches and 256 pounds, he presents a difficult matchup for linebackers who struggle to keep pace with him, while his strength allows him to outmuscle smaller defensive backs. His ability to high-point passes in traffic makes him a reliable red-zone target, and his soft hands enable him to make difficult catches look routine. Mayer also demonstrates solid blocking technique, giving the Raiders versatility in their offensive formations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several moments define Mayer’s early professional career. His first NFL touchdown against the Jets in his rookie season represented his official arrival in the league. The milestone came on a precise route where he found an opening in the defense and made a contested catch for the score. Throughout his time with the Raiders, Mayer has continued to build on his collegiate reputation as a player who rises to the occasion in important moments.
Michael Richard Mayer Career Statistics
Through his first two professional seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, Mayer has established himself as a consistent contributor in the passing game. His receiving totals reflect his role in the offense and his ability to make plays when given opportunities.
NFL Statistics
In his NFL career through the 2024 season, Mayer has recorded 83 receptions for 788 yards and 3 touchdowns across 27 games played. His rookie season saw him average approximately 11 yards per reception, demonstrating his ability to make explosive plays. His 12 starts as a rookie indicated the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to handle significant responsibilities in the offense.
College Statistics
Mayer’s college career at Notre Dame remains one of the most productive for a tight end in recent memory. He finished as Notre Dame’s all-time leader at his position with 180 receptions, a record that stood for years before his arrival and one that will be remembered as a significant achievement in the program’s history.
| Competition Level | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (2023–2024) | 83 | 788 | 3 |
| College (2020–2022) | 180 | 2,164 | 18 |
Michael Richard Mayer Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Mayer comes from an athletic family with connections to professional sports beyond football. His cousin, Luke Maile, is a professional baseball catcher who has played in Major League Baseball. Maile currently plays in the Kansas City Royals organization, having appeared in MLB games with both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Toronto Blue Jays earlier in his career. The family connection to elite athletics spans multiple sports, demonstrating a pattern of competitive excellence.
Personal Life
Despite his rising profile as a professional athlete, Mayer maintains strong ties to his Kentucky roots. His journey from Covington Catholic High School to Notre Dame and eventually to the NFL represents a classic American sports success story. He continues to be recognized in his home state as one of the most accomplished football players to emerge from Kentucky in recent decades.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a pivotal year in Mayer’s professional development. Entering his third season with the Las Vegas Raiders, he worked to increase his role within the offensive system and build stronger connections with the quarterback room. The Raiders’ coaching staff continued to emphasize his versatility, utilizing him in both receiving and blocking situations to maximize his value to the team.
Mayer’s progression from a promising rookie to a established NFL tight end reflects his dedication to refining his craft. The experience gained through two full seasons provided him with the knowledge needed to read defenses more effectively and find openings in opposing coverages. As the Raiders sought to compete within their division, Mayer’s consistency as a pass-catcher remained an important component of their offensive strategy.