Sauce Gardner has finally broken a 651‑day drought without an NFL victory on American soil, and now the Indianapolis Colts’ standout cornerback is once more stepping onto foreign turf. The Colts secured their inaugural win of the 2025 campaign in Week Three, edging the Houston Texans 19‑17. Gardner’s previous triumph in the United States dated back to December 15, 2024, when he was still a member of the New York Jets.
After being dealt to Indianapolis in November 2025, his sole subsequent victory came in Berlin against the Atlanta Falcons, a highlight that was quickly eclipsed by a seven‑game losing streak that ended the season. This week the team returns to Europe, this time facing the Washington Commanders at London’s iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL. Gardner reflected on the oddity of his situation, telling Sky Sports, "I was joking with Josh Downs about how strange it is to lose a game at home, then travel abroad, win there, and still end up with a loss on my record back in the States.
It was frustrating, but it also reminded me how much I love playing internationally, especially in London. The city holds a special place in my heart because the atmosphere is electric and the fans are incredibly passionate." The narrative of international NFL games extends beyond Gardner’s personal journey. The league’s push for global exposure has accelerated, with 2026 slated to feature a record nine overseas matchups, including historic first‑time 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 season, underscoring the NFL’s commitment to expanding its fan base beyond North America.
Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann offers a poignant illustration of the league’s worldwide appeal. Raimann, an Austrian native, attended his first live NFL game as a teenage fan at Wembley Stadium in 2013. He recalled, "Back then I was just starting out in football, traveling with my club team.
Watching those players felt like watching superheroes. I never imagined I’d one day be on the field in the same stadium. Returning now as a professional is surreal, and I hope my story shows young kids that their dreams are achievable if they work hard every day." The London showdown marks the first of three consecutive games the NFL will stage in the city during October, forming part of a broader strategy to cement the United Kingdom as a cornerstone of the league’s international calendar.
While the logistical challenges of overseas travel are evident, players like Colts safety Cam Bynum acknowledge both the excitement and the sacrifices involved. "I love traveling, and if I could play abroad every week I would," Bynum said. "The hardest part is disrupting my routine—my acupuncture, my massage therapist, even my sleep schedule.
On a flight to London I only got six hours of rest, but everyone’s in the same boat, so it levels the playing field." Running back Jonathan Taylor arrives in London as one of the marquee attractions. The former league‑leading rusher, who tallied 18 touchdowns on 1,585 yards this season, shared a nostalgic anecdote about his high‑school "Turkey Bowl" games.
"Back in my senior year we played a Thanksgiving‑day game that drew a thousand fans – the biggest crowd I’d ever seen. From that small field to Wisconsin, then Indianapolis, and now an international stage, it’s a surreal journey. I never take any of it for granted," Taylor said.
Washington, meanwhile, comes into the contest fresh off an upset victory over the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is slated to start after an injury to Jayden Daniels, while wide receiver Terry McLaurin remains questionable due to a hamstring strain. Gardner praised McLaurin’s speed and playmaking ability, noting, "He’s explosive and can change a play in an instant.
Stefon Diggs, though not as fast, has superb route running and reliable hands, making him a constant threat." Head coach Shane Steichen’s side hopes to reverse a bleak 0‑3 start to the season. Gardner emphasized the psychological boost a single win can provide: "Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 changes the entire energy in the locker room. We lost a close game to Kansas City, but it felt like a win.
Now we have to capitalize on that momentum and secure another victory." The broader significance of the London games cannot be overstated. They serve as a litmus test for the NFL’s global expansion strategy, offering fans across Europe a chance to experience the sport live while giving players a unique cultural experience. The electric atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, combined with the league’s marketing push, aims to convert casual observers into lifelong supporters. For viewers at home, Sky Sports will provide comprehensive coverage of the 2026 NFL season, including every playoff game and the Super Bowl LXI slated for February 14, 2027.
Fans can also access live streams via the NOW platform without a contract, ensuring that the excitement of American football reaches a worldwide audience. In summary, Sauce Gardner’s return to London symbolizes more than a personal milestone; it epitomizes the NFL’s ambition to become a truly global sport.
From the historic memories of a teenage fan turned pro, to the logistical hurdles of transatlantic travel, and the electrifying fan response, the league’s London chapter continues to write new chapters in the ever‑growing story of American football abroad.