Former Michigan defensive back and NFL rookie Mike Sainristil has officially changed his jersey number back to No. 0 after originally opting to wear No. 2 during the 2024-25 NFL season. Sainristil was selected by the Washington Commanders in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 50th overall. He has since signed a four-year rookie contract with the Commanders on June 11, 2024.
The 23-year-old DB was originally used as a wide receiver in his first few years at Michigan. He was used sparingly as a true freshman, catching just eight passes for one touchdown in 145 years. Sainristil didn’t play a larger offensive role until his third season, when he caught 22 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns.
Eventually, he was promoted to cornerback, where he excelled in his final two years at Michigan. In the 2022 season, Sainristil recorded 58 total tackles, two sacks, one interception and seven pass breakups in his first year on defense. He received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors after that season.
In 2023, he was named a captain and finished the season with 44 tackles, six interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns, and two forced fumbles. He was named a first-team All-American and MVP of the Big Ten Championship Game. He also had the game-winning interception at the 2024 College Football National Championship, intercepting Washington’s Micheal Penix and returning it for 81 yards.
Mike Sainristil is expected to play his first NFL game of the season when the Commanders face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, September 8th at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.
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