Playing professional football is tough enough. It’s even harder when you fight yourself any time you make a mistake.

Unfortunately, that’s just what Raiders tight end Michael Mayer did his first two NFL seasons. One poor rep could spiral into a prolonged period of ineffectiveness.

It wasn’t because the 2023 second-round pick wasn’t good enough. He’d just pour so much energy into overthinking one bad play that he’d dwell on the misstep and sabotage his next opportunity.

It’s taken time, self reflection and a daily routine for Mayer to stay out of that negative head space. He’s discovered the power of being his own best friend, rather than his own worst enemy. He’s learned when things go wrong, as they inevitably do in the NFL, he can just take a deep breath and move on.

“I think that’s

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