Sauce Gardner has finally broken a 651‑day drought without an NFL victory on American soil, and now the Indianapolis Colts’ standout cornerback is set to make another appearance on foreign turf. The Colts secured their opening win of the 2025‑2026 campaign in Week 3, 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 Indianapolis franchise acquired Gardner in a November 2025 trade, and his first win in a Colts uniform came against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin. Unfortunately, that success was quickly eclipsed by a seven‑game losing streak that saw the team stumble to the end of the season.
This week, however, the Colts are headed back to Europe for a showdown with the Washington Commanders at London’s iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL. Speaking to Sky Sports, Gardner recounted a surreal mental picture he shared with teammate Josh Downs: “Imagine we lose a game in the States, then we travel abroad, win there, and still end up losing back home.
That thought was driving me crazy.” He went on to explain his affection for international matchups, especially those in London. “London holds a special place in my heart.
The atmosphere is electric, the fans are incredible, and playing there feels like a celebration every time.” The article also highlighted a series of related NFL content, from a Black History Month feature on Doug Williams—the league’s first Black quarterback—to a preview of the 2026 London games, where Marcus Mariota will start for Washington after Jayden Daniels was ruled out. Other headlines mentioned the Kansas City Chiefs’ quest for a new Travis Kelce replacement, and a roundup of Steelers‑Browns highlights. One of the most poignant stories tied to the London venue involves Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann.
As a teenager in 2013, Raimann attended his first live NFL game at Wembley Stadium as a fan of a local club team. Now, nearly a decade later, the Austrian-born lineman is back in the city as a professional, reflecting on how far his journey has taken him. “Back then I was just a kid who loved football,” Raimann told reporters. “Seeing those players felt like watching superheroes.
To be on the field now, knowing what this means to the fans, is beyond special.” He hopes his story will inspire young athletes: “If kids see what’s possible, they’ll chase their dreams and work hard every day.” The upcoming London clash marks the first of three consecutive international games scheduled for October, part of a record‑breaking nine‑game overseas slate that also includes the NFL’s inaugural matches in Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro. This aggressive expansion underscores the league’s ambition to grow its global footprint, a goal repeatedly emphasized by Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has spoken of a long‑term vision for up to sixteen international contests each season. Colts safety Cam Bynum expressed his enthusiasm for travel, noting, “If I could play overseas every week, I’d love that.” Yet he also acknowledged the logistical challenges of maintaining his routine away from home.
“My bodywork schedule—acupuncture, massages, the whole regimen—gets disrupted. Usually I have a specific therapist on Thursday, another on Friday.
When we’re on a plane, you lose that consistency, and sleep becomes scarce. The flight itself gave us only six hours of rest, but both teams faced the same hurdles, so it evens the playing field.” Despite these obstacles, many players relish the chance to showcase their talents beyond U.S. borders. Running back Jonathan Taylor, who entered the game as one of the league’s premier rushers with 18 touchdowns on 1,585 yards, shared a nostalgic anecdote.
“When I was in high school, we used to have a Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving. The crowd was huge—maybe a thousand people. Going from that to Wisconsin, then Indianapolis, and now playing internationally, is an unbelievable ride.
I never take any of it for granted.” The Commanders arrive in London fresh off an upset victory over defending Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks. With Marcus Mariota slated to start at quarterback in place of the injured Jayden Daniels, Washington hopes to capitalize on the momentum. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who was listed as questionable due to a hamstring strain, and veteran Stefon Diggs were also expected to be key targets. Gardner praised both players: “McLaurin is incredibly fast and explosive.
Diggs may not have the same raw speed, but his football IQ, hands, and ability to create separation are elite.” Head coach Shane Steichen’s side, which began the season 0‑3 after losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, finally snapped that streak with a win last weekend. Gardner reflected on the psychological impact of a single victory: “Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 changes the entire energy in the locker room. It may sound simple, but the difference is massive. We came close to beating the Chiefs; we should have won that game.
Now we have no choice but to win this one.” Fans can catch every moment of the 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, via Sky Sports. The network also offers streaming options through NOW TV with flexible contracts. As the league continues to push its borders, the excitement surrounding the London games serves as a testament to football’s growing international appeal, and players like Sauce Gardner and Jonathan Taylor are at the forefront of this new era.