Wolverine Digest

Charles Woodson names rising NFL star among Michigan's all-time greats

Michigan football legend Charles Woodson says this rising NFL star is one of the Wolverines' all-time greats.

Chris Breiler

Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
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When Michigan Football legend Charles Woodson speaks, his words carry significant weight. As one of the most respected figures in Michigan’s football history, Woodson’s opinion on any player is bound to capture attention. So, when he expressed high praise for rookie Mike Sainristil, it was a moment worth noting.

This week, during Super Bowl festivities in New Orleans, Woodson was asked about the first-year player’s performance with the Washington Commanders. Woodson didn’t hesitate to include Sainristil in the conversation of Michigan football’s all-time greats. His endorsement places Sainristil in elite company, as Woodson himself is widely regarded as the best to ever play for the Wolverines.

Mike Sainristil
Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

"Love Mikey, man. He's up at the top of my top players to ever play at the University of Michigan," Woodson said. "What he did this year is what he did at Michigan. Will Johnson went down a couple of times, what did he have to do? He had to go out and guard one of the best wide receivers on the outside. Great in the slot, but you know what? If you need me coach to go out there, I'll do it. He did the same thing this year. Went out there, he had to guard guys on the outside, and all he did was go out there and make plays. Two huge interceptions against the Detroit Lions. Just one of my favorite all-time Michigan players for sure."

Sainristil, who made an immediate impact in his rookie season, certainly lived up to the hype. As the most-utilized rookie cornerback in the NFL, he played 1,158 defensive snaps, proving his durability and skill. But it wasn’t just about the numbers—Sainristil showcased his playmaking ability in the postseason as well. He became the first rookie to intercept two passes in a playoff game since 2015, doing so in a memorable performance against the Detroit Lions. These interceptions were a testament to his football IQ, athleticism, and poise under pressure, qualities that made him stand out as a rookie.

Given how impressive his first year in the NFL was, there’s no doubt that Sainristil has a bright future ahead of him. With such a strong start to his career, many believe he is on the path to becoming a mainstay in the league for years to come. Woodson’s praise is just the latest indication that Mike Sainristil is well on his way to becoming one of the NFL’s next great cornerbacks. If his rookie season is any indication, the sky’s the limit for the young Wolverine.

Michigan Football
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Here's a look at his impressive resume during his time at Michigan, courtesy of MGoBlue.com:

At Michigan

• 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 the Offensive (2021, co-) and Defensive (2022) Skill Player of the Year Awards
• Five-time letterman (2019-20-21-22-23)
• Finished his career tied for the single-season (2023) and career lead 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 the longest interception return in CFP National Championship Game history (81 yards; 2024)
• Appeared in 62 games in his career at wide receiver, defensive back, and on special teams with 34 starts (nine on offense, 25 on defense) and work at punt returner
• Changed to jersey number 5 from 19 prior to the 2021 season; changed to 0 from 5 prior to the start of the 2022 season
• Though he played both sides of the ball in high school, began his U-M career on offense before switching primarily to defense prior to the 2022 season

Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

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Chris Breiler
CHRIS BREILER

Christopher Breiler launched Winged Helmet Media and began covering the Michigan Football program in an unofficial capacity in 2017. He then joined Wolverine Digest as part of the FanNation network in 2021 as a contributing writer, where he served as both a writer and a photographer on game days. In 2024, he took over as the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI. His love for Michigan Football brought him into the industry, and his passion for being a content creator has led to some amazing experiences along the way.

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