How a Kentucky standout became Notre Dame's most prolific tight end
In short: Before entering the NFL, Michael Mayer was rewriting the record books at Notre Dame. From a standout high school career in Kentucky to becoming a consensus All-American, his rapid ascent through the ranks of college football set the stage for a professional career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Born on July 6, 2001, in Independence, Kentucky, Michael Mayer's journey to professional football began at Covington Catholic High School. During his senior year in 2019, he earned the title of Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year, a distinction supported by his impressive statistics of 49 receptions, 970 yards, and 15 touchdowns. This performance paved the way for his selection to the 2020 All-American Bowl and his eventual commitment to the University of Notre Dame.
At Notre Dame, Mayer's impact was immediate, starting as a tight end during his freshman season in 2020. His collegiate career was marked by significant milestones: he was named a third-team All-American in 2021 and achieved consensus All-American status in 2022, becoming the first player in the program's history to do so since Ken MacAfee in 1976. He eclipsed Tyler Eifert to set a new school record for tight end catches, ending his career with 180 receptions.
Mayer transitioned to the NFL in 2023 when the Las Vegas Raiders selected him with the 35th overall pick in the second round. His rookie season saw him appearing in 14 games and starting 12, recording 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns. Following his rookie year, he continued to develop, recording 21 receptions for 156 yards in 2024. By the 2025 season, he reached new career highs with 35 catches and 328 yards on 50 targets. The Raiders secured his future on September 12, 2026, by signing him to a $45 million extension lasting three years.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Michael Mayer (American football)
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