Washington’s Mike Sainristil named captain for matchup with Philadelphia

On By Littum

Michigan Football legend Mike Sainristil has continued his stellar play in the NFL with the Washington Commanders and will now serve as captain ahead of Thursday’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Via Commander’s Wire:

“Sainristil has shown flexibility and adaptability playing both the slot and outside corner. The rookie from NCAA champion Michigan recorded the Commanders’ first interception of 2024 against the Ravens.”

In 10 games as a rookie, Sainristil – Washington’s second-round pick (No. 50 overall) – has accounted for 38 solo tackles, six passes defensed and an interception.

Michigan football

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos

While he is just beginning to forge his career in the NFL, Sainristil is already a well-established legend in Ann Arbor. A veteran in 2023, he helped lead the Wolverines to a perfect 15-0 record that included a Rose Bowl win over Alabama and a National Championship win over Washington.

Here’s a quick look at his career highlights as Wolverine, courtesy of MGoBlue.com:

  • All-American (first team, 2023)
  • Twice voted a captain by his teammates (2022–23)
  • Two-time All-Big Ten selection (second team, coaches, 2023; first team, media, 2023; honorable mention, coaches and media, 2022)
  • Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Nov. 20, 2023)
  • Won both offensive (2021, co-) and defensive (2022) Skill Player of the Year Awards• Five-time letterman (2019-20-21-22-23)
  • Ended his career tied for the single-season mark (2023) and career leader in interceptions returned for touchdowns (two)
  • Program record holder in single-season interception return yards (232; 2023) and second in career interception return yards (240)
  • Recorded longest interception return in CFP National Championship Game history (81 yards; 2024)
  • Appeared in 62 career games at wide receiver, defensive back and special teams with 34 starts (nine on offense, 25 on defense) and work at punt returner
  • Changed to jersey number 5 from 19 before the 2021 season; changed to 0 from 5 before the start of the 2022 season
  • Although he played both sides of the ball in high school, he began his UM career on offense before switching primarily to defense before the 2022 season

– Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage at Michigan Wolverines On SI –

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