Sauce Gardner finally broke a 651‑day drought without 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 opening win of the 2025‑26 campaign in Week Three, edging the Houston Texans 19‑17. Prior to that, Gardner’s most recent U.S. triumph had come on December 15, 2024 while he was still with the New York Jets.
After being dealt to Indianapolis in November 2025, Gardner’s sole win with the Colts arrived in Berlin against the Atlanta Falcons, a game that felt like a glimmer of hope before the team spiraled into a seven‑game losing streak to close out the season. This week, the Colts travel to London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face the Washington Commanders, with the contest being broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gardner recounted a conversation with teammate Josh Downs that highlighted the oddity of their situation: "Imagine we lose a game back home, then we win internationally, only to lose again in the States—that was painful," he said. "I’ve always loved playing abroad, especially in London.
The city holds a special place in my heart. The fans are electric, and the atmosphere is simply amazing." The 2026 NFL season on Sky Sports offers a full slate of fixtures, kick‑off times, and channel information for both the regular season and the postseason run to Super Bowl LXI. Recent league news includes the two‑game suspension of official Jeff Seeman for an outburst directed at Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, as well as highlights from the Sky Sports podcast "Inside the Huddle" and a recap of the Colts’ narrow victory over the Berlin Bears. One of the most compelling storylines in London involves Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann, who attended his first live NFL game at Wembley as a teenager in 2013.
The Austrian now returns as a player, reflecting on his journey: "Back then I was just starting out in football. We traveled with my club team, and I thought the players on the field were superheroes.
Watching an NFL game live felt like the closest I’d ever get to them. Now I’m back, playing on that same stage, and it’s incredibly special.
I hope kids see my story and realize their dreams are possible if they work hard every day." The Sunday showdown marks the first of three consecutive London games in October and contributes to a record‑breaking nine international contests scheduled for the season, following the league’s inaugural forays into Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro. Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly hinted at a long‑term goal of staging 16 games abroad each year, underscoring the NFL’s commitment to global expansion. Colts safety Cam Bynum expressed his enthusiasm for overseas travel, saying, "If I could play overseas every week, I would. The only downside is missing my regular routine—my acupuncture on Thursday, a specific massage therapist on Friday—so the logistics can be tough.
The flight reduced my sleep to six hours, but both teams face the same challenges, so it evens the playing field." Despite the logistical hurdles, many players embrace the chance to showcase their talents beyond the United States. Running back Jonathan Taylor arrives in London as a marquee attraction, having led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns and 1,585 yards on the ground. Taylor reflected on his own path: "Playing in London takes you places you never imagined.
In high school we had a Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving that drew a thousand fans—the biggest crowd I’d ever seen. From that field to Wisconsin, then Indianapolis, and now an international stage, it’s an incredible feeling. I don’t take any of it for granted." The Commanders come into the contest fresh off an upset win over Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota is set to start again after replacing the injured Jayden Daniels. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who was listed as questionable on Friday due to a hamstring concern, remains a key speed threat, while veteran Stefon Diggs provides a smart, reliable target. Gardner praised both: "McLaurin’s explosiveness is a nightmare for defenses. Diggs may not have the same raw speed, but his route running and hands are elite." Head coach Shane Steichen’s squad managed to snap a 0‑3 start with a victory last weekend after dropping games to the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.
Gardner noted the psychological impact of that win: "Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 changes the entire energy in the locker room. The Chiefs game was close—we should have won it—so now we have to capitalize on every opportunity. We have no choice but to win this one." Fans can watch every moment of the 2026 season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027, via Sky Sports’ live streams or the NOW platform with no‑contract options. The London game not only highlights the NFL’s global ambitions but also provides a unique cultural exchange for players, coaches, and supporters alike, reinforcing the sport’s growing international footprint.