The NFL is a league of opportunity and this Sunday, former UCLA Bruin Kain Medrano made the most of his opportunity. The Washington Commanders turned to Medrano after starting linebacker Leo Chenal left the game with an injury. Medrano was able to seal the game for Washington with a pick-six.
Medrano’s fourth quarter interception won it for the Commanders, getting a win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Medrano snagged a pass from Sam Darnold to give Washington a 33-24 lead with less than four minutes remaining in the game.
KAIN MEDRANO PICK SIX ON SAM DARNOLD. #UCLA pic.twitter.com/o0IPpUwM1Y
— 🌹 (@chesneyera) September 27, 2026
The Commanders defense didn’t pitch a shutout in the game, with Darnold throwing for four touchdowns and 379 yards even if Washington
did grab two interceptions. Medrano made five tackles (three solo) with a quarterback hit, a pass defensed and the interception. Medrano returned the pick 50 yards before winding up in the end zone for his first career NFL touchdown.
Prior to Sunday, Medrano had only played special team snaps in the NFL, having nine combined tackles heading into Sunday’s game. Medrano played six seasons with UCLA, appearing in 50 games and making 195 tackles as a Bruin. Medrano forced five fumbles, three interceptions and 3.5 sacks.
It’s unclear how long Medrano will stick around in the Washington defense but on one Sunday, he was able to clinch a victory for the Commanders.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Former UCLA linebacker Kain Medrano clinches game for the Commanders
