Sauce Gardner has finally broken a 651‑day drought without an NFL victory on American soil, and now the Indianapolis Colts cornerback finds himself back on the overseas stage. The Colts secured their first win of the 2025‑26 campaign in Week Three, edging the Houston Texans 19‑17, and Gardner’s previous U.S.
triumph dates back to December 15, 2024, when he was still a member of the New York Jets. The Indianapolis franchise acquired Gardner in a November 2025 trade, and his lone win after the move came against the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL’s first European game in Berlin. Unfortunately, that high point was followed by a seven‑game losing streak that left the Colts at the bottom of the AFC South.
This week, the team heads back to Europe for a showdown with the Washington Commanders at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL. "I was joking with Josh Downs about how it would feel to lose a game at home, then travel overseas, win there, and still end up with a loss in the U.S.," Gardner told Sky Sports. "It was a painful thought at the time." Gardner’s affection for international games, especially those in London, shines through in his comments.
"London holds a special place in my heart. The atmosphere is electric, the fans are incredible, and playing there always feels like a celebration of the sport," he said.
The NFL’s London series continues to grow, with the 2026 schedule featuring three consecutive games in October and a total of nine international contests for the season—a record that includes inaugural matchups in Melbourne, Australia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly hinted at a long‑term goal of staging sixteen games abroad each year, underscoring the league’s commitment to global expansion. Colts safety Cam Bynum echoed the excitement of traveling, noting, "If I could play overseas every week, I would. The only downside is missing my regular body‑work routine—acupuncture, massages, the whole recovery process.
When you’re on the road, you have to adapt, and that can be tough." Bynum explained that his typical Thursday includes a session with his acupuncturist, followed by a Friday massage from a different therapist. "When you’re flying across continents, you lose those scheduled treatments, and sleep becomes fragmented. The plane ride gave us only six hours of rest, but both teams face the same challenges, so it evens out in the end," he added.
Despite logistical hurdles, many players relish the chance to showcase their talents beyond the United States. Running back Jonathan Taylor, who entered the game as one of the league’s marquee stars after leading the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns and 1,585 yards on the ground, reflected on his own journey. "Playing in London takes you to places you never imagined. I remember my senior year in high school—our Turkey Bowl drew a thousand fans, the biggest crowd I’d ever seen.
From that field to Wisconsin, then Indianapolis, and now an international stage, it’s an amazing feeling. I don’t take any of it for granted," Taylor said. The Commanders arrive in London fresh off a surprising victory over the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is slated to start after the injury to Jayden Daniels.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who was listed as questionable on Friday due to a hamstring issue, remains a key target, while Stefon Diggs offers a different skill set. Gardner praised both: "McLaurin is incredibly fast and explosive. Diggs may not have the same speed, but his route‑running, hands, and football IQ make him a dangerous playmaker." Head coach Shane Steichen’s team managed to snap a 0‑3 start with the win over Seattle, a victory that Gardner believes can shift a team’s momentum dramatically. "Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 changes the energy in the locker room.
We lost a close game to Kansas City, and that hurt, but it also taught us we’re capable of competing. Now we have to seize every opportunity and win," Gardner emphasized. The upcoming London clash will also feature a nostalgic moment for Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann. The Austrian-born player attended his first live NFL game as a teenage fan at Wembley Stadium in 2013.
Now, as a starter, Raimann reflected on his path: "Back then I was just a kid playing football with my club team. Seeing those players on the field felt like watching superheroes. To be back here, wearing a Colts uniform, and knowing how much this game means to the fans is incredibly special.
I hope my story inspires kids to chase their dreams and work hard every day." London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with its state‑of‑the‑art video board and passionate crowd, provides a perfect backdrop for the NFL’s push into new markets. The league’s strategy includes not only expanding the number of overseas games but also deepening fan engagement through local events, youth clinics, and partnerships with regional broadcasters. As the Colts and Commanders prepare for kickoff, the broader narrative is clear: the NFL is evolving from a primarily American pastime into a truly global sport.
Players like Gardner, Taylor, and Raimann embody that transition, carrying the game’s excitement to fans across continents while navigating the unique challenges of travel, altered routines, and cultural differences. For viewers in the United Kingdom and beyond, the match will be available live on Sky Sports, with additional streaming options through NOW without a contract. The 2026 NFL season will continue to be broadcast throughout the year, culminating in the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027.
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