Sauce Gardner finally broke a 651‑day drought without an NFL victory on American soil, and now the Indianapolis Colts’ standout cornerback is back on foreign turf. The Colts secured their first win of the season in Week Three, edging the Houston Texans 19‑17.
Gardner’s previous triumph in the United States had come on December 15, 2024, when he was still a member of the New York Jets. The Indianapolis franchise acquired Gardner in a November 2025 trade.
Since joining the team, his only U.S. win had been a narrow success over the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, after which the Colts stumbled, dropping their final seven contests of that campaign. This week, the team heads back to Europe for a showdown against the Washington Commanders at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL.
"I was joking with my teammate Josh Downs about how odd it would feel to lose a game at home, then travel abroad, win there, and still end up with a loss back in the States," Gardner told Sky Sports. "It was a painful thought at the time." Gardner went on to explain why international venues hold a special place in his heart. "I love playing overseas, especially in London.
The atmosphere is electric, the fans are incredible, and the city just feels like a second home for the NFL." The article also highlights other NFL highlights, such as the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Las Vegas Raiders, the Detroit Lions against the Carolina Panthers, and a spectacular Darius Cooper catch for the Los Angeles Rams. It notes that the 2026 schedule includes a full slate of UK‑based regular‑season games and postseason matchups on the road to Super Bowl LXI, as well as marquee moments like Kenneth Walker’s impact on the Chiefs and a late‑game touchdown by Efton Chism that handed the Buffalo Bills their first loss of the year.
A particularly poignant subplot involves Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann, who attended his first live NFL game at Wembley as a teenager in 2013. The Austrian-born player now returns to the same stadium as a professional, reflecting on his journey. "Back then I was just a kid who loved football. Watching those players felt like seeing superheroes.
To be back here, playing for the team I once only dreamed of watching, is unbelievably special," Raimann said. He hopes his story will inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams relentlessly. The piece reminds readers to use Chrome for the best video‑player experience and notes that this Sunday’s contest marks the first of three consecutive London games in October. It is part of a record‑setting nine international games for the season, following the NFL’s inaugural matches in Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly spoken about a long‑term goal of staging sixteen games abroad each year, underscoring the league’s commitment to global expansion. Colts safety Cam Bynum expressed his enthusiasm for travel. "If I could play overseas every week, I would love it," he said, while acknowledging the logistical challenges.
He explained that his routine of acupuncture and specialized massage therapy is disrupted by travel, making recovery more difficult. "The biggest hurdle is losing that regular body‑work schedule.
The flight to London gave me only six hours of sleep, but both teams face the same obstacles, so it evens the playing field," Bynum added. Despite these obstacles, many players embrace the chance to showcase their talents beyond the United States. Running back Jonathan Taylor, who leads the league with 18 rushing touchdowns and 1,585 yards on the ground, is a major draw for the London crowd.
He recalled his high‑school “Turkey Bowl” experiences, noting how far he’s come: "From playing in front of a thousand people at my senior‑year high‑school game to the University of Wisconsin, then Indianapolis, and now an international stage—it's an incredible feeling. I never take it for granted." The Washington Commanders arrive fresh from an upset victory over defending Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks. Marcus Mariota is set to start at quarterback, replacing the injured Jayden Daniels. The Colts’ Gardner praised the Commanders’ skill set, noting the speed of Terry McLaurin and the football IQ of Stefon Diggs, even though McLaurin was listed as questionable with a hamstring issue.
Head coach Shane Steichen’s team managed to reverse a bleak 0‑3 start with a win last weekend after losing to the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. Gardner emphasized how a single victory can shift momentum: "Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 changes the entire energy in the locker room. We lost a close game to the Chiefs, but it showed us we can compete.
Now we have to win this one." The article concludes by reminding fans that the 2026 NFL season will be available live on Sky Sports, including every playoff game and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. Viewers can also explore Sky Sports subscription deals or stream without a contract via the NOW platform.