Mike Sainristil, the Washington Commanders‘ rookie cornerback, just scored the touchdown of a lifetime off the field. The former Michigan Wolverines standout and his girlfriend Seliana Carvalho recently welcomed their first child.

Sainristil’s journey from college star to NFL rookie was already impressive, but now he’s diving headfirst into the end zone of fatherhood. With new responsibilities on his shoulders, Sainristil seems thoroughly immersed in the initial phase of his new journey.

Summer Elizabeth joins team Mike Sainristil!

On June 19, 2024, at 1:36 AM, Sainristil and Carvalho welcomed their newest teammate, Summer Elizabeth, weighing in at 6.8 lbs and measuring 19.4 inches. Sainristil shared the news on Instagram with a heartfelt message: “Summer, I am ready to give you the world. Love you, Daddy💕”

The proud father couldn’t contain his excitement about this new chapter. “For the last 9 months, I watched @seliana_carvalho THRIVE through this pregnancy,” Sainristil shared. “Some days much brighter than others, but baby you did the damn thing. You were strong. You were powerful. I am truly thankful for what I’ve watched you overcome.”

Sainristil’s journey to fatherhood has been as thrilling as a fourth-quarter comeback. The couple announced their pregnancy in December 2023, just weeks before Sainristil helped the Michigan Wolverines clinch their first title since 1997. Now, as he prepares for his rookie NFL season, Sainristil is tackling a whole new playbook – one that includes midnight feedings and diaper changes.

But Sainristil isn’t the only Commander running daddy duties. He’s joined a growing roster of girl dads on the team, including John Bates, Sam Cosmi, and Mike Davis. This locker room full of proud fathers is creating a unique support system, proving that teamwork extends beyond the gridiron.

Balancing the playbook with fatherhood and football

Mike Sainristil is facing his toughest two-a-day yet: juggling his NFL rookie season with newborn duties. The Washington Commanders’ defensive back is determined to be present in both arenas. “Biggest thing for me is just being present wherever I am,” Sainristil explained. “If I’m at home, being attentive at home. If I’m at work, being attentive at work.” It’s a game plan that would make any coach proud – full commitment, no matter the field.

Sainristil isn’t running this play alone. His partner, Seliana Carvalho, is a former collegiate soccer player turned success coach. Carvalho’s background in performance psychology could be the secret weapon in their parenting playbook. Meanwhile, the Commanders set up a solid defensive line to support the rookie dad. Player development assistant Alexis Dotson stood on standby for those crucial “labor in progress” calls, ensuring Sainristil didn’t miss a single down in the delivery room.

As Sainristil steps into his role as a girl dad, he’s setting lofty goals. “I’m excited to just create memories, being that male figure that she looks up to,” he shared. “I’m going to set a standard for her when it comes to men.” It’s clear that for this rookie, the trophy he’s chasing isn’t just a Super Bowl ring, but the title of #1 Dad.

With Summer Elizabeth now part of the roster of the family, Mike Sainristil is ready to tackle his dual roles head-on. From defensive plays to daddy duties, he’s proving that with the right team and game plan, you can indeed have it all.