Michigan football legend Mike Sainristil making a name for himself in NFL playoffs

The Detroit Lions dream season is coming to an end and a former Michigan football legend, Mike Sainristil, is partially responsible for ending it.

The second round pick of the Washington Commanders and a favorite of Nick Saban, proved why so many thought so highly of him in the draft proces, coming up with not just one but two interceptions against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Divisional Playoff.

Michigan football fans are used to seeing Sainristil make clutch plays. He did the same thing throughout his career with the Wolverines such as the national-championship-clinching interception against Washington in January of 2024.

In the first half against Detroit, as the Lions were trying to cut a 10-point Washington lead to single digits, Sainristil intercepted a Jared Goff pass, taking at least three points off the board. If Mikey wasn't there, it might have been a touchdown, but his closing speed erased the opening.

That was a huge bummer for Lions fans, but Michigan football fans, even those cheering for the Lions had to be happy to see it. Mikey also came up with an interception in the fourth quarter that will help Washington clinch the win.

Detroit tried a trick play -- a double pass -- but Sainristil was ready and intercepted it. Washington scored a touchdown soon after pushing the lead to 17 points, all but clinching an NFC championship game berth.

There's time on the clock, but it looks like a long shot for the Lions, thanks in part to the Michigan football legend.