Raiders' Amerson attributes recent success to fewer video games

David Amerson signed a lucrative contract extension last week, one that could pay for a new video game library.

But the Oakland Raiders cornerback has cut back on his gaming and admits it has led to more success on the football field.

"Instead of going home and playing video games all night ... I was going home and I was in my playbook or watching film or looking at my notes on whatever team we were playing that week," Amerson said Tuesday in a conference call, according to Scott Bair of CSN Bay Area.

The former second-round draft pick spent his first three seasons with the Washington Redskins, but was released two games into the 2015 season. He was claimed off waivers by the Raiders and proceeded to rack up 58 tackles, four interceptions, and a touchdown in 14 games with his new team.

The Raiders rewarded that play with a four-year, $38-million deal last week, and Amerson said he has his new approach to thank.

"It wasn't really rocket science, to be honest with you. Once I got here, I matured," he said. "I came in the league and I was 21 years old. Not saying I'm much older now, but three years, I'm 24 now, I've learned a lot in three years. When I got here, I was in the right mindset .... I think it worked out for the best."

Timing is everything, and Amerson recognized things clicked for him at a time when he was being released.

"I always knew that I had the ability to be mentioned with some of the elite corners in the league or get to that point," he said. "I had my mind set once I got my opportunity I was going to take full advantage of it."