Wolverine Digest

Michigan Football legend Mike Sainristil celebrates with NBA superstar following win over Detroit Lions

Chris Breiler|
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this story:

Michigan Wolverines

There's no doubt that Detroit Lions fans are waking up this morning with broken hearts. After the best regular season in franchise history and securing the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, the Lions came apart on Saturday night at home against the Washington Commanders. Defensively, Detroit couldn't keep Washington from putting points on the board, as the Commanders had 31 points by halftime. Offensively, Detroit committed five turnovers on the evening, including four interceptions and one fumble. In the end, Washington left Detroit with an impressive 45-31 victory - and Lions fans were left dejected.

And while I'm sure this is far from being anything resembling a "silver lining" for Detroit Lions fans who also happen to be Michigan football fans, but Washington's impressive night included two critical interceptions from rookie Mike Sainristil. That's right, Michigan football legend Mike Sainristil.

The first interception came in the second quarter as the Lions took a shot at the endzone. Sainristil played the ball perfectly and brought Detroit's drive to an end, a play that helped protect Washington's lead going into the half.

The second interception came early in the fourth quarter as the Lions attempted a trick play that failed miserably. Wide receiver Jameson Williams took a reverse and rolled out to his right looking to throw down field. Instead of throwing the ball away, Williams tossed it down the field where Sainristil was in perfect position to make another critical play on the evening.

After the big win, the former Wolverine shared a video to his Instagram story where he could be seen celebrating with NBA superstar, Kevin Durant. The current Phoenix Sun is a product of the DMV area, born in Washington D.C. and having spent his high school days at Fort Washington (MD).

Enjoy more Michigan Wolverines coverage on Michigan Wolverines On SI -

More Michigan News:

Predicting Michigan football's 2025 offensive two-deep 1.0

Sherrone Moore provides clarity on status of Michigan S Rod Moore and potential 2025 return

CBS Sports has Michigan football as a 'loser' for the 2025 NFL Draft

For additional coverage of University of Michigan athletics:

Published
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.

Home/Football