One young defender emerging as Commanders’ next great leader

The Washington Commanders are seeing a second-year breakout in one of their young players headed in 2025.

Head coach Dan Quinn announced that cornerback Mike Sainristil is stepping into a leadership role, not just through words but through action. Sainristil’s approach is quickly earning him the trust of his teammates and coaches.

Quinn has made it clear for Sainristil, leadership starts with “walking the walk.”

The Golden Rule of Leadership

Aug 6, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn holds a press conference before training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images

For the Commanders head coach, leadership is built on consistency. It’s not enough to talk about what needs to be done, players have to live it every day.

“As a leader, you better walk the walk,” Quinn said. “If you say we need to do this and you're not doing that, well guess what? You ain't a leader. You have to match it. There can be no gap in what you say and what you do and I think that's important that Mike, he definitely understands that there's no gap."

That mindset is one of the reasons the Commanders see Sainristil as a player who can help set the tone in 2025.

Proactive, Curious, and Committed

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Washington is also taking notice of Sainristil’s commitment to extra work. He’s early to meetings, stays after practice, and looks for ways to improve. His growth goes beyond the physical side — he’s constantly expanding his football IQ.

“I love that he was talking to the McCourty’s [in New England] and asking about film and things to go,” Quinn said. “That's pretty much who he is in terms of being curious and wanting to get better. He absolutely lives it.”

Those qualities make Sainristil a natural fit in Quinn’s vision for the Commanders — a team built on discipline, preparation, and relentless improvement.

A Leader for the Future

Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders corner back Mike Sainristil (0) celebrates an interception against Detroit Lions during the second quarter in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Commanders are in a period of transition, and leaders like Sainristil are critical to building long-term success. His work ethic and willingness to learn from veterans show a maturity that’s rare for a player entering just his second season.

Quinn has coached his share of Pro Bowlers and All-Pros, and when he praises a player’s leadership qualities, it carries weight. For Sainristil, the challenge now is to keep that same intensity from training camp into the regular season and beyond.

If he continues on this path, Sainristil could be one of the cornerstones of the Washington defense for years to come.