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 international stage. The Colts secured their first win of the 2026 campaign in Week Three, edging the Houston Texans 19‑17.
Prior to that triumph, Gardner’s most recent U.S. win dated back to December 15, 2024, when he was still a member of the New York Jets.
The veteran defensive back was dealt to Indianapolis in November 2025. Since joining the Colts, his only other win came in the franchise’s European outing against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, a game that provided a brief glimmer of hope before the team stumbled to a seven‑game losing streak to close out the season.
This week, Gardner is once again headed to Europe as the Colts travel to London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face the Washington Commanders, with the contest slated for live broadcast on Sky Sports NFL. Speaking to Sky Sports, Gardner reflected on the oddity of his recent schedule: “I was joking with Josh Downs about how we could lose a game in the States, then win abroad, only to lose again back home.
It was a painful thought at the time.” He went on to praise the atmosphere of overseas fixtures, especially those in London: “International games have a special place in my heart. London feels electric; the fans are incredible, and the energy in the stadium is unlike anything you experience in the U.S.” The broadcast also highlighted other marquee matchups, including the upcoming clash between Marcus Mariota and the Washington Commanders, who will be without Jayden Daniels, and a preview of the Kansas City Chiefs’ quest to replace Travis Kelce with rising star Brock Bowers. One of the most poignant storylines in London involves Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann.
The Austrian lineman first set foot in a live NFL game as a teenage fan at Wembley in 2013. Now, as a full‑time professional, he returned to the same stadium with a completely different perspective. "Back then I was just a kid playing football with a club team, and the players on the field seemed like superheroes," Raimann recalled.
"Being in the stands was the closest I thought I’d ever get to that world. To return now as a player, knowing how much this means to the local fans, is truly special. I hope my journey shows young kids that dreams can become reality if they work hard every day." The London game marks the first of three consecutive NFL fixtures in the city during October, part of a record‑setting nine international games scheduled for the 2026 season. The NFL has recently expanded its global footprint, adding debut matchups in Melbourne, Australia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly hinted at a long‑term goal of staging sixteen international games each season, underscoring the league’s commitment to worldwide growth. Colts safety Cam Bynum expressed his enthusiasm for the travel, noting, "If I could play overseas every week, I would love it." However, he also acknowledged the logistical challenges that come with frequent trips: "The hardest part is disrupting my usual routine—my acupuncture on Thursdays, specific massage therapists on Fridays—everything is coordinated around Indianapolis.
When you’re on a plane for six hours and get only a few hours of sleep, it throws off your bodywork and recovery. Both teams face the same travel fatigue, so it evens the playing field in the end." Despite these hurdles, many players relish the chance to showcase their talents beyond U.S.
borders. Running back Jonathan Taylor is among the biggest draws for the London crowd. Taylor entered the season leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns and 1,585 rushing yards, cementing his status as a premier offensive weapon.
He shared a nostalgic memory of his high‑school “Turkey Bowl” on Thanksgiving, recalling a crowd of a thousand people that felt massive at the time. "From that small-town field to Wisconsin, then Indianapolis, and now playing internationally—it’s an incredible journey.
I don’t take any of it for granted," Taylor said. The Commanders arrive in London fresh off an upset victory over defending Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks. Marcus Mariota is set to start at quarterback after Jayden Daniels was ruled out with injury.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who was listed as questionable due to a hamstring strain, remains a key speed threat, while veteran Stefon Diggs provides a reliable, smart option in the passing game. Gardner praised both players, noting, "McLaurin has explosive speed, and Diggs, while not as fast, has excellent hands and can create separation." Head coach Shane Steichen’s Colts have turned a bleak 0‑3 start into a 1‑2 record after the win in Houston, a shift Gardner says can dramatically alter a team’s morale.
"A win changes the whole energy. It’s a huge difference between being winless and having a victory under your belt," he explained. "We came close to beating the Chiefs; we should have won that game.
Now we have no choice but to win this one." For fans eager to follow the action, Sky Sports will broadcast the entire 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027. Viewers can also stream games without a contract via NOW, taking advantage of the latest Sky Sports deals. Overall, the NFL’s continued push into international markets—highlighted by the London series, the new games in Melbourne and Rio, and the ambition for even more overseas contests—signals a strategic effort to broaden the sport’s appeal.
Players like Gardner, Raimann, and Taylor embody the league’s global narrative, turning personal milestones into moments that resonate with fans around the world. The London matchup, with its electric atmosphere and diverse storylines, stands as a testament to how American football is evolving from a domestic pastime into a truly worldwide spectacle.