Michael Mayer is a prominent American football tight end currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Renowned for his exceptional pass-catching abilities and robust physical presence, Mayer established himself as a dominant force in collegiate football at the University of Notre Dame before being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His impressive high school and college careers set high expectations for his professional journey, where he continues to be a key offensive player.
Michael Mayer Overview
| Full Name | Michael Richard Mayer |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 2001 |
| Age | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | Independence, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 256 lb (116 kg) |
| Profession | Professional Football Player (Tight End) |
| Team | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Family | Andy Mayer (Father), Amy Mayer (Mother), AJ Mayer (Brother) |
| Net Worth (as of 2025) | Estimated to be between $7-10 million |
Early Life and Education of Michael Mayer
Michael Richard Mayer was born on July 6, 2001, in Independence, Kentucky. He attended Covington Catholic High School in Park Hills, Kentucky, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete. Initially, Mayer’s primary athletic focus was on basketball and baseball, with the intention of pursuing a collegiate career in basketball. However, at the urging of his father, Andy, and the school’s freshman football coach, he decided to give football a try.
This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in his athletic journey. Mayer quickly adapted to the sport, becoming a standout player for the Covington Catholic Colonels. During his three seasons on the varsity team, the team achieved a remarkable 44-1 record and secured two state championships. In his senior year, he was named the Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year after an outstanding season where he recorded 49 receptions for 970 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also showcased his versatility by playing linebacker, tallying 102.5 tackles and four interceptions. His exceptional performance earned him a selection to the 2020 All-American Bowl.
Following his highly successful high school career, Mayer committed to playing college football at the University of Notre Dame.
Michael Mayer’s Career
College Career
Mayer made an immediate impact as a freshman at the University of Notre Dame during the 2020 season, quickly establishing himself as the starting tight end. In his first year, he recorded 42 receptions for 450 yards and two touchdowns, earning Third-Team All-ACC honors.
His sophomore season in 2021 saw further growth, as he was named a third-team All-American. He continued to be a primary target in the Fighting Irish’s offense.
The 2022 season was a record-breaking one for Mayer. He surpassed Tyler Eifert to become Notre Dame’s all-time leader in receptions for a tight end, finishing his collegiate career with 180 catches. His exceptional play earned him consensus All-American honors, the first for a Notre Dame tight end since 1976. In his final season, he tallied 67 receptions for 809 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. Over his three years at Notre Dame, he amassed 2,099 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns.
Professional Career
Mayer’s impressive collegiate performance positioned him as a top prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Las Vegas Raiders selected him in the second round with the 35th overall pick.
In his rookie season, Mayer played in 14 games, starting 12 of them. He recorded 27 receptions for 304 yards and two touchdowns. He scored his first professional touchdown in a Week 10 game against the New York Jets.
As he enters his third season, Mayer is poised to continue his development and play a significant role in the Raiders’ offense.
Michael Mayer Personal Life & Family
Michael Mayer comes from a supportive, athletic family. His parents are Andy and Amy Mayer. His father, Andy, was instrumental in encouraging him to play football in high school. He has an older brother, AJ Mayer, who is a quarterback and also played Division I football. The experience of his older brother going through the recruiting process was beneficial for Michael and his family. He is also the cousin of Luke Maile, a professional baseball catcher for the Cincinnati Reds.
Awards and Achievements of Michael Mayer
Consensus All-American (2022)
Third-team All-American (2021)
Third-team All-ACC (2020)
Gatorade Kentucky Football Player of the Year (2019)
Kentucky Football Coaches Association Mr. Football (2019)
All-American Bowl selection (2020)
Michael Mayer Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Michael Mayer’s net worth is estimated to be between $7-10 million. This is primarily derived from his NFL contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $9,313,645, which included a signing bonus of $3,773,560 and $7,596,703 in guaranteed money. His average annual salary is approximately $2,328,411.
Legacy and Influence
Despite being early in his professional career, Michael Mayer has already established a significant legacy, particularly at the collegiate level. At Notre Dame, a university with a storied football history, he is regarded as one of the greatest tight ends to ever play for the program, holding the all-time receptions record for his position.
In the NFL, he is seen as a promising young talent with the potential to be a premier tight end for years to come. His work ethic and dedication to his craft are frequently noted by coaches and teammates.
Interesting Facts about Michael Mayer
His first love was basketball, and he initially did not plan on playing football in high school.
He was a versatile athlete in high school, also playing linebacker and contributing significantly on defense.
His mother, Amy, often tells stories of him breaking things in the house as a child while playing with a basketball hoop in their living room.
He is known for his focused and positive mindset, something he has actively cultivated throughout his career.
Social Media Presence
Michael Mayer maintains a presence on social media, where he shares updates about his career and personal life.
Instagram: @michaelmayer10
X (formerly Twitter): @MMayer1001
Final Words about Michael Mayer
Michael Mayer’s journey from a basketball-focused high school athlete to a record-setting collegiate tight end and a promising NFL player is a testament to his natural talent and dedication. As he continues his career with the Las Vegas Raiders, he is expected to build upon his already impressive resume and become one of the league’s top players at his position. His combination of size, skill, and work ethic provides a strong foundation for a successful and impactful professional football career.
