Sauce Gardner has finally broken a 651‑day drought for an NFL victory on American soil, and now the Indianapolis Colts’ cornerback is headed back overseas for another high‑profile matchup. The Colts secured their first win of the 2025‑26 campaign in Week Three, edging the Houston Texans 19‑17. Prior to that triumph, Gardner’s last U.S.
victory dated back to December 15, 2024, when he was still a member of the New York Jets. Gardner was dealt to Indianapolis in November 2025. His solitary win after the trade came in Berlin against the Atlanta Falcons, a game that offered a brief glimpse of success before the Colts stumbled through the final seven contests of the season. This week, the team returns to Europe, traveling to London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face the Washington Commanders in a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL.
"I was joking with Josh Downs about how weird it would be to lose a game at home, then win abroad, and then lose again back in the States," Gardner told Sky Sports. "It was a real mental sting." He added that he has a special affection for international games, especially those in London. "London holds a special place in my heart. The atmosphere is electric, the fans are passionate, and playing there always feels like a celebration of the sport," he said.
The 2026 NFL season on Sky Sports features a packed schedule of fixtures, kickoff times, and channel information for both the regular season and the postseason leading up to Super Bowl LXI. In other league news, official Jeff Seeman was suspended for two games after an altercation with Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, and Sky Sports continues to produce its popular Inside the Huddle podcast.
One of the most compelling storylines for the London game involves Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann. Raimann first experienced an NFL game as a teenage fan at Wembley in 2013, attending with his club team.
The Austrian now returns as a player, reflecting on his journey from a wide‑eyed youngster to a professional on the field. "Back then I was just starting out in football. I went to the stadium with my club and thought the guys on the field were superheroes.
Watching a live NFL game felt like the closest I’d ever get to being one of them," Raimann told reporters. "Now I’m back, playing in front of those same fans, and it’s incredibly special. I hope my story shows kids that anything is possible if they work hard and chase their dreams." The upcoming Sunday showdown marks the first of three consecutive London games in October and is part of a record‑setting nine international contests this season, following the NFL’s inaugural games in Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro.
The league’s leadership, spearheaded by Commissioner Roger Goodell, has repeatedly voiced a goal of staging 16 games outside the United States each year, underscoring the NFL’s commitment to global expansion. Colts safety Cam Bynum expressed his enthusiasm for overseas travel. "If I could play an overseas game every week, I would love that," he said.
"The biggest challenge is maintaining my usual routine—my acupuncture, my massage therapist, the whole body‑work regimen. When you’re on a plane for six hours and lose sleep, it throws everything off, but both teams face the same hurdles, so it evens the playing field." Despite logistical obstacles, many players embrace the chance to showcase their talents beyond American borders. Running back Jonathan Taylor is among the marquee attractions, having led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns and amassing 1,585 yards on the ground.
Taylor reflected on his personal journey from high‑school turkey‑bowl games to the global stage. "I remember playing in front of a thousand people at my senior‑year turkey bowl.
From there to Wisconsin, then Indianapolis, and now an international game—it’s an amazing feeling. I don’t take any of it for granted," Taylor said. The Commanders arrive in London fresh off an upset victory over defending champion Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is set to start again, filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, though listed as questionable with a hamstring issue, remains a key target, while Stefon Diggs provides a reliable, intelligent option. Gardner praised both players: "McLaurin is incredibly fast and explosive. Diggs may not have the same speed, but his route‑running, hands, and football IQ make him a dangerous playmaker." Head coach Shane Steichen’s side managed to snap a 0‑3 start with the recent win, after losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.
Gardner emphasized how a single victory can shift a team’s momentum. "Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 changes the entire energy in the locker room.
We lost a close game to the Chiefs, and that hurt, but it also lit a fire under us. We have to win the next one; there’s no other option," he asserted. Fans can catch every moment of the 2026 season—including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027—through Sky Sports’ live coverage, streaming options on NOW, or traditional broadcast channels. The league’s continued push for international exposure aims to bring the excitement of American football to new audiences while giving players unforgettable experiences on the world stage.