Wolverine Digest

WATCH: Former Michigan legend Mike Sainristil makes clutch play against Lions in Playoffs

Trent Knoop|
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Down 10 points, Detroit was driving with 35 seconds left in the first half against the Washington Commanders in the NFL playoffs, Jared Goff dropped back to pass, looked Jameson Williams' way, but former Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil stepped in the way and intercepted Goff. The Lions' quarterback has been picked off twice in the game against Washington, the first being a pick-6.

Sainristil's interception makes his third of the season. He is off to a terrific start against the Lions. The cornerback is second on the team with five tackles and of course, he made a game-changing interception against Goff who has been red-hot entering the playoffs.

Sainristil played for Michigan from 2019-23. He began his college career as a wide receiver before he converted to cornerback in 2022. Sainristil immediately made an impact for Michigan on the defensive side of the football and became an All-American during his final season with the Wolverines -- along with helping Michigan win a national title.

Now in the NFL, Sainristil has played both Nickel and cornerback. He has tallied 93 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, along with intercepting three passes during his rookie season. Washington picked him second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and Sainristil is proving to be a steal of a pick.

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Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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