Sauce Gardner finally broke a 651‑day drought without an NFL victory on U.S. soil, and now the Indianapolis Colts cornerback is gearing up for another overseas showdown. The Colts secured their first win of the 2025‑26 campaign in Week Three, edging the Houston Texans 19‑17, a game that marked Gardner’s first triumph in America since December 15, 2024, when he was still wearing a New York Jets jersey.
Gardner’s journey to Indianapolis began with a November 2025 trade from the Jets. After the move, his solitary win with the Colts came in Berlin against the Atlanta Falcons, a rare bright spot before the team endured a seven‑game losing streak to close out the season.
This week, the Colts are back in Europe, traveling to London’s iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face the Washington Commanders, with the matchup set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL. Reflecting on his odd season, Gardner told Sky Sports, "I was joking with Josh Downs about how we could lose a game at home, then go overseas, win there, and still feel the sting of that home loss.
It was a strange mix of emotions." He added, "I’ve always loved playing internationally, especially in London. The city holds a special place in my heart because the atmosphere is electric. The fans are amazing, and hearing that roar in the stadium is something you can’t replicate anywhere else." The London game is part of a broader NFL initiative to expand its global footprint. It marks the first of three consecutive London fixtures in October and contributes to a record‑setting nine international games for the 2026 season, following the league’s inaugural contests 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 year, underscoring the NFL’s commitment to growing the sport beyond the United States. Colts safety Cam Bynum expressed his enthusiasm for travel, saying, "If I could play overseas every week, I would. The only downside is missing my regular routine—my acupuncture, my massage therapist, all the little things that keep my body ready.
On a typical week I’d have a specific therapist in Indianapolis, but when we fly to London that routine gets disrupted. The flight itself cuts sleep down to six hours, so both teams end up on an even playing field when it comes to fatigue." Despite the logistical challenges, many players relish the chance to showcase their talents on a global stage. Offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann, who attended his first live NFL game at Wembley as a teenager in 2013, now returns as a player.
The Austrian-born athlete recalled, "Back then I was just a kid playing club football, and watching those guys on the field felt like watching superheroes. Being here now, actually playing, is surreal. I hope my story inspires kids to chase their dreams and realize what’s possible." Running back Jonathan Taylor is another marquee name heading to London.
Taylor entered the season as the league’s leading rusher, tallying 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns. He spoke about the unique experience, "Playing in London is like nothing else.
I remember my senior year in high school when we had a Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving—about a thousand people showed up, the biggest crowd I’d ever played in front of. From that small field to Wisconsin, Indianapolis, and now an international stage, it’s an incredible feeling. I don’t take any of it for granted." The Commanders arrive fresh off an upset win over Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks.
With quarterback Marcus Mariota set to start after Jayden Daniels was sidelined, Washington hopes to continue its momentum. Gardner praised the Commanders’ skill set, noting, "Terry McLaurin is lightning‑fast, explosive, and a real threat on the outside. Stefon Diggs may not have McLaurin’s speed, but his football IQ, hands, and ability to create separation make him a dangerous playmaker." Shane Steichen’s coaching staff is eager to shed the early‑season 0‑3 skid after a hard‑fought victory against the Seahawks.
Gardner emphasized the psychological boost of a win, "Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 changes the energy in the locker room. It feels like a fresh start. We came close to beating the Chiefs; we just missed it.
Now we have to capitalize on this momentum and secure another win." Beyond the on‑field action, the NFL’s international push includes fan engagement initiatives, local community events, and partnerships with global broadcasters. Sky Sports will air every minute of the 2026 season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI slated for February 14, 2027.
Fans can also stream games without a contract via the NOW platform, ensuring broader accessibility. In summary, Sauce Gardner’s long‑awaited U.S. win has set the stage for a compelling London encounter.
The Colts, bolstered by stars like Taylor and guided by a resilient mindset, will test the Commanders in front of a passionate British crowd. As the NFL continues to broaden its horizons, players and fans alike are poised to experience the sport in new, electrifying environments, proving that football truly is a global game.