Michael Mayer (American football)

Michael Mayer (born July 6, 2001) is an American football tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Notre Dame, finishing as their all-time receptions leader at tight end with 180.

Early years
Mayer was born on July 6, 2001, in Independence, Kentucky. He attended Covington Catholic High School in Park Hills, Kentucky. As a senior in 2019, he was the Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year after recording 49 receptions for 970 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was selected to play in the 2020 All-American Bowl. He committed to the University of Notre Dame to play college football.

College career
Mayer was Notre Dame's starting tight end as a freshman in 2020. In 2021, Mayer was named a third-team All-American. In 2022, he surpassed Tyler Eifert to become the school's all-time receptions leader at tight end with over 140 catches. He was named a consensus All-American, the first in program history since Ken MacAfee in 1976.

Professional career
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Mayer with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. In Week 10, he scored his first professional touchdown against the Jets. He finished his rookie season with 27 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns through 14 games and 12 starts.

Personal life
Mayer's cousin is Luke Maile, a professional baseball catcher who currently plays in Major League Baseball for the Cincinnati Reds.