Istvan "Steve" Mike-Mayer (Pronounced "MICK-uh-my-ur") (born September 8, 1947) is a Hungarian former professional American football kicker in the National Football League (NFL) from 1975 to 1980 for the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, and Baltimore Colts. His brother Nick Mike-Mayer also played in the NFL. Mike-Mayer played college football at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Professional career

San Francisco 49ers

Mike-Mayer was selected in the third round (as the 72nd overall pick) by the San Francisco 49ers.

1975

In his rookie season, he would make just 14 of 28 attempted field goals, and would make 27 of his 31 attempted extra points. The 49ers would ultimately win just 5 games and miss the playoffs after losing their last 4 games. Because of his performance, Mike-Mayer earned a spot on the All-Rookie Team.

1976

In his second and last year with the 49ers, Mike-Mayer's kicking statistics only slightly improved, as he made 16 of 28 field goal attempts, and 26 of 30 extra point attempts. Although the 49ers' record would improve to 8-6, they would still miss the playoffs. After the end of the season, Mike-Mayer was released.

Detroit Lions

Mike-Mayer was picked up by the Detroit Lions in 1977. In his only season with the team, he made just 8 of his 19 field goal attempts, and made 19 of his 21 extra point attempts. The Lions would end the season 6-8, and ultimately miss the playoffs. After the end of the season, Mike-Mayer was released by the team.

New Orleans Saints

Mike-Mayer was signed by the New Orleans Saints to start the 1978 season, and was reunited with former 49ers head coach Dick Nolan. In his only season with the team, Mike-Mayer made just 6 of 13 field goal attempts, and made all 18 of his extra-point attempts. He would be released by the team after playing just 9 games with them.

1979

Mike-Mayer was signed by the Baltimore Colts to start the 1979 season. In his first season with the team, Mike-Mayer's kicking stats improved, as he made 11 of his 20 field goal attempts, and made 28 of his 29 extra point attempts. Despite Mike-Mayer's improvement with the Colts, the team would miss the playoffs with a 5-11 record.

1980

In his final season with Baltimore, Mike-Mayer's kicking would slightly regress again, as he made just 12 of his 23 field goal attempts, and made 43 of his 46 extra-points, making this his only season in which he successfully made more than 30 extra-point attempts. The Colts' record slightly improved to 7-9, although they still finished 4th in their division and were eliminated from playoff contention. Following the end of the season, Mike-Mayer retired from playing in the NFL.

NFL career statistics

Regular season