Raiders' Michael Mayer Reflects on First NFL Game

Las Vegas Raiders second-round pick Michael Mayer took his first big step in the NFL Saturday: his first game.

Mayer started Saturday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams with a number of the Raiders' first-stringers after not having suited up the week before against the San Francisco 49ers.

The tight end out of Notre Dame played only one series, but registered a catch and helped contribute to a touchdown drive to open the game.

"It was good to get the first one under the belt for sure," Mayer told the media on Tuesday. "I had a lot of fun. They were a great team. It was fun to be out there with Jimmy (Garoppolo) on that first series. But like I've been saying, I got my first little action in under me, but at this point, it's keep improving, trying to get us better as I can, and try to learn the playbook as much as I can, and things like that."

As could be expected, Mayer had some first-game jitters but was able to find his rhythm quickly.

"I think after the first play, I always settle in pretty well," the rookie said. "Like, that's what I've always told people. I get nerves for every game. That's just kind of how it is. I care about playing well. I care about the game of football. I want to do well for my team and my coaches. So, I've always got nerves going into games and even probably coming into practice, I got some nerves. So, once I get out there, I get that first play, second play, under my belt, I'm kinda just out there playing ball, doing what I've been doing my whole life."

Mayer played three years for Notre Dame and would finish as the program's all-time leader in receptions for a tight end with 180.

The Silver and Black return to preseason action when they play the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 26, at 8 p.m. EDT/5 p.m. PDT.

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