Sauce Gardner finally broke a 651‑day drought without a win on American soil when the Indianapolis Colts secured their first triumph of the season in Week Three, edging the Houston Texans 19‑17. The last time Gardner celebrated a victory in the United States was on December 15, 2024, back when he was still a member of the New York Jets.
After being dealt to Indianapolis in November 2025, his sole win for the Colts came in Berlin against the Atlanta Falcons, a game that briefly lifted the team before a seven‑game losing streak sent them spiraling down the standings. Now the cornerback is back across the Atlantic, this time heading to London for the Colts’ showdown with the Washington Commanders at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The contest will be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL, giving British fans another chance to see an NFL game in their own backyard.
Gardner reflected on the oddity of his situation during a pre‑game interview with Sky Sports. "I was joking with Josh Downs that we could lose a game in the States, then win one overseas and still end up with a losing record at home.
That thought was pretty painful at the time," he said. "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 incredible, and the crowd noise can feel like a wall of sound that lifts you up." The NFL’s 2026 calendar is packed with global events.
In addition to the three consecutive London games in October, the league has added matchups in Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro, bringing the total number of international contests this season to a record nine. Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly hinted that the NFL aims to schedule as many as sixteen games abroad each year, underscoring the league’s ambition to grow the sport beyond American borders. One of the most poignant storylines in the London series involves Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann. The Austrian native first experienced an NFL game as a teenage fan at Wembley Stadium in 2013.
Today, he returns to the same venue not as a spectator but as a player, marveling at the journey that took him from a kid watching the sport to a professional protecting the quarterback’s blind side. "Back then I was just playing soccer and went on a trip with my club team. Watching those athletes felt like watching superheroes," Raimann told reporters.
"Being back here as a player is surreal. I hope kids see my path and realize that dreaming big can lead to moments like this." Colts safety Cam Bynum expressed his enthusiasm for the travel aspect of the schedule, noting that he would love to play overseas every week if given the chance. However, he acknowledged the logistical challenges that come with constant movement, especially concerning his body‑work routine. "My Thursday usually includes acupuncture, and I have a specific massage therapist who flies to Indianapolis for me.
When we’re on the road, that routine gets disrupted. The flight to London left us with only six hours of sleep, and both teams had to adjust to the jet lag. It’s a test of endurance, but everyone’s in the same boat," Bynum explained. Running back Jonathan Taylor is another marquee name heading to London.
The league’s leading rusher, with 18 touchdowns and 1,585 yards on the ground, sees the international stage as an opportunity to showcase his talents to a broader audience. He reminisced about his high‑school days, recalling the massive crowds at his senior year “Turkey Bowl.” "From playing in front of a thousand people in high school to the NFL and now an overseas game, it’s an incredible feeling. I don’t take any of it for granted," Taylor said.
The Commanders arrive in London fresh off an upset victory over Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is slated to start again, filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who was listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, is expected to be a key target, while veteran Stefon Diggs brings experience and route‑running precision. Gardner praised both players, noting McLaurin’s speed and Diggs’ football IQ.
"McLaurin is explosive, and Diggs may not be as fast but he has great hands and can create separation," Gardner observed. Head coach Shane Steichen’s Colts have struggled early in the season, dropping their first two games before the win in Berlin. The victory against the Texans was a morale booster, and Gardner believes a single win can shift the team’s energy dramatically.
"Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 feels like a whole new season. We came close to beating the Chiefs, and that shows we can compete. Now we have to capitalize on every opportunity," he said. The broader NFL landscape in 2026 continues to evolve.
The regular‑season schedule features key matchups such as the Detroit Lions at the Carolina Panthers and the Kansas City Chiefs at the Las Vegas Raiders, while a highlight reel moment saw Darius Cooper of the Los Angeles Rams make an unbelievable touchdown catch over a defender against the Philadelphia Eagles. Fans can follow all the action live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW without a contract. Overall, the London game exemplifies the NFL’s commitment to expanding its global footprint. Despite the challenges of travel, altered routines, and reduced sleep, players like Gardner, Bynum, and Taylor embrace the chance to perform on an international stage.
The electric atmosphere, passionate crowds, and the novelty of playing in iconic venues like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium make each overseas contest a unique experience that both players and fans cherish. As the season progresses, the league will continue to assess the impact of these global games, but for now, the excitement in London signals a promising future for American football worldwide.