Sauce Gardner has finally put an end to a 651‑day stretch without a victory on American soil. The Indianapolis Colts' cornerback celebrated the milestone in Week Three when Indianapolis edged the Houston Texans 19‑17, marking the team's first win of the season. Prior to that triumph, Gardner’s most recent U.S.
win 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, Gardner’s only other win came in the franchise’s European outing in Berlin, where the Colts defeated the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately, the remainder of that campaign proved brutal, as the team dropped its final seven contests.
Now, the Colts are back across the Atlantic, this time facing the Washington Commanders at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL, giving British fans another chance to see Gardner in action on foreign turf. Gardner reflected on the oddity of his situation in an interview with Sky Sports. “I was joking with Josh Downs that we could lose a game at home, then travel overseas, win there, and still end up with a loss overall.
It was frustrating,” he said. “I love playing internationally—London holds a special place in my heart. The atmosphere here is electric, and the fans are incredible.” The article also highlighted Jermaine Eluemunor, a British-born player who made his name with the New York Giants after discovering football in London two decades ago.
In addition, the piece provided a quick roundup of the latest NFL headlines, including trades, injury updates, and the league’s ongoing preseason, regular‑season, playoff, and Super Bowl coverage for 2026. One notable disciplinary note: NFL officials suspended referee Jeff Seeman for two games after he swore at Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride.
The league’s official podcast, "Inside the Huddle," continues to deliver analysis and behind‑the‑scenes stories, including a segment titled "Colts hold off Kaliakmanis in London." A sentimental moment emerged when Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann, who first attended an NFL game as a teenager at Wembley in 2013, returned to the city as a player. The Austrian‑born lineman recalled his early fascination with the sport: “Back then I was just a kid who loved football. Watching those players felt like watching superheroes.
Being back now, wearing a Colts jersey, is surreal. I hope kids see my journey and realize that dreaming big can lead to real opportunities.” The upcoming London matchup is the first of three consecutive games the league has scheduled for the capital in October.
It also forms part of a record‑setting nine‑game international slate for the 2026 season, which includes the NFL’s inaugural contests in Melbourne, Australia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly voiced his ambition to expand the league to 16 international games per year, underscoring the NFL’s commitment to global growth. Colts safety Cam Bynum expressed his enthusiasm for traveling: “If I could play overseas every week, I would love it.
The only downside is the disruption to my routine—acupuncture, massages, and other bodywork that keep me at peak performance. When you’re on a plane for six hours, you lose sleep, and that throws off the whole schedule. But both teams face the same challenges, so it evens the playing field.” Despite logistical hurdles, many players relish the chance to showcase their talents beyond the United States.
Running back Jonathan Taylor, one of the league’s premier rushers, arrived in London as a marquee attraction. Taylor, who led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns and amassed 1,585 yards on the ground, shared a nostalgic memory: “In high school we used to have a Turkey Bowl on Thanksgiving.
The crowd was huge—maybe a thousand people. From that small field to Wisconsin, then Indianapolis, and now an international stage, it’s an incredible feeling. I never take it for granted.” The Commanders entered the Sunday contest fresh off an upset victory over Super Bowl champions the Seattle Seahawks.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota is slated to start, filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who was listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, remains a key speed threat, while Stefon Diggs offers a different skill set with his route‑running precision and reliable hands. Gardner praised both: “McLaurin has elite speed and explosiveness.
Diggs may not be as fast, but his football IQ and hands are top‑notch.” Head coach Shane Steichen’s Colts have struggled early, dropping their first two games to the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs before snapping the skid with the win over Washington. Gardner emphasized the psychological boost a victory provides: “Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 changes the entire energy in the locker room.
We came close against the Chiefs; it was a heart‑breaker, but it showed us we can compete. Now we have to seize this opportunity and win.” For fans eager to follow the 2026 NFL season, Sky Sports offers live coverage of every game, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027.
Subscribers can also stream games without a contract via the NOW platform, ensuring that the excitement of American football reaches audiences worldwide. In summary, Sauce Gardner’s long‑awaited U.S. win, the Colts’ return to London, and the league’s broader push for international exposure combine to create a compelling narrative for the 2026 season.
Whether it’s a teenage fan turned pro like Bernhard Raimann, a veteran star such as Jonathan Taylor, or the strategic adjustments required for trans‑atlantic travel, the NFL’s global adventure continues to evolve, offering fresh storylines and unforgettable moments for fans on every continent.