Sauce Gardner has finally broken a 651‑day drought without an NFL victory on American soil, and his next stop is once more across the Atlantic. The Indianapolis Colts cornerback helped his team secure their first win of the season in Week Three, edging the Houston Texans 19‑17, and that triumph marked his first U.S.
victory since December 15, 2024, when he was still a member of the New York Jets. Gardner’s journey to Indianapolis began with a November 2025 trade that sent him from the Jets to the Colts. After the move, his only win for Indianapolis came in a thrilling contest against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, Germany.
Unfortunately, the Colts then stumbled, dropping the final seven games of that campaign. Now, just a few weeks later, Gardner is heading back to Europe for another high‑profile matchup, this time at London’s iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where the Colts will face the Washington Commanders.
The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL. Speaking to Sky Sports, Gardner reflected on the odd twist of his recent schedule.
“I was joking with my teammate Josh Downs about how we could lose a game at home, then win one overseas, and then lose again back in the States. It was a painful thought at the time,” he said. “But I love playing internationally, especially in London. The city holds a special place in my heart.
The atmosphere here is electric; the fans are amazing, and the whole experience is just unforgettable.” The broader NFL landscape is also undergoing a period of rapid expansion. The league’s 2026 season features a record nine international games, including inaugural contests in Melbourne, Australia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. London will host three consecutive games in October, underscoring the NFL’s commitment to growing its global footprint.
Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly hinted at a long‑term goal of scheduling sixteen games outside the United States each season. Colts safety Cam Bynum expressed his enthusiasm for the overseas schedule, noting, “If I could play abroad every week, I would love it. The only downside is the disruption to my routine—my acupuncture, massage therapists, and sleep schedule all get thrown off when we’re on a plane for six hours and then have to perform the next day.” Bynum’s comments highlight the logistical challenges teams face when traveling internationally, from adjusting to new time zones to finding familiar medical support staff.
Despite these hurdles, many players relish the chance to showcase their talents on a world stage. Bernhard Raimann, the Colts’ offensive tackle from Austria, recalled his first live NFL experience as a teenage fan at Wembley Stadium in 2013. “Back then I was just starting to play football.
I went with my club team and felt like the players on the field were superheroes. Being back now, actually playing, is incredibly special. I hope kids see my story and realize that they can chase their dreams too.” Running back Jonathan Taylor, who entered the season as one of the league’s premier offensive weapons, also shared his perspective.
After leading the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns and 1,585 yards on the ground, Taylor said, “Playing in London takes you to places you never imagined. I remember my senior year in high school—we had a huge Thanksgiving game that drew a thousand fans, the biggest crowd I’d ever seen. From that small field to Wisconsin, to Indianapolis, and now to an international stage, it’s a feeling I can’t put into words. I’m grateful for every opportunity.” The Commanders arrive in London fresh off an upset victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota is set to start again, filling in for the injured Jayden Daniels. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who was listed as questionable on Friday due to a hamstring concern, is expected to be a key target. Gardner praised McLaurin’s speed, noting, “He’s explosive and can break off big plays.” He also commented on Stefon Diggs, saying, “Diggs may not have McLaurin’s raw speed, but his football IQ, hands, and ability to create separation make him a dangerous playmaker.” Coach Shane Steichen’s Colts have been trying to reverse a bleak start to the season. After losing their first two games to the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, the team secured a win last weekend, snapping a 0‑3 opening stretch.
Gardner emphasized the psychological impact of that victory: “A win changes the whole energy. Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 feels like a different world. We came close to beating the Chiefs; it was a narrow loss, but it showed us we can compete. Now we have to keep that momentum and win the next game.” The upcoming London showdown is part of a larger narrative about the NFL’s global strategy.
By staging games in iconic venues like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the league aims to attract new fans, generate international media coverage, and create lucrative sponsorship opportunities. For players, the experience offers a chance to play in front of diverse crowds, adapt to different cultures, and broaden their personal brands.
Fans can catch every moment of the 2026 NFL season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027, on Sky Sports. Those interested in streaming options can also explore NOW TV’s contract‑free plans to watch live action without a traditional cable subscription. In summary, Sauce Gardner’s return to London symbolizes both a personal milestone—ending a long‑awaited U.S.
win drought—and the NFL’s ambitious push to become a truly global sport. With star players like Gardner, Taylor, and Raimann leading the charge, and with the league’s leadership eyeing even more international fixtures in the future, the sport’s next chapter promises excitement for audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.