Sauce Gardner has finally broken a 651‑day drought without an NFL victory on American soil, and now the Indianapolis Colts’ cornerback is once more stepping onto foreign turf. The Colts secured their inaugural win of the 2025‑26 campaign in Week Three, edging the Houston Texans 19‑17.
Before that triumph, Gardner’s most recent U.S. win dated back to December 15, 2024, when he was still wearing a New York Jets jersey. The Indianapolis franchise acquired Gardner in a November 2025 trade, and his sole win after the move came against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin.
That victory was quickly eclipsed by a disastrous stretch in which the Colts dropped their final seven games of the season. Now, the team is back in Europe for a showdown against the Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports NFL. "I was joking with my teammate Josh Downs about how it felt to lose a game in the States and then win one overseas, only to lose again back home.
It was a real mental sting," Gardner told Sky Sports. "I’ve always loved playing internationally—London holds a special place in my heart. The atmosphere here is electric, the fans are incredible, and the whole experience is just amazing." The article also references a series of related NFL stories, ranging from Ben Johnson’s rise as a key figure in Chicago, to Jermaine Eluemunor’s journey from London’s streets to a starring role with the New York Giants, and even a disciplinary note about official Jeff Seeman. While these items are peripheral, they illustrate the broader context of the league’s growing global footprint.
One of the most poignant moments comes from Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann, an Austrian who first attended an NFL game at Wembley as a teenager in 2013. "Back then I was just a kid playing football with my club team. Seeing those players on the field felt like watching superheroes," Raimann recalled. "Now I’m back, not as a fan but as a player, and it’s surreal.
I hope young kids see my story and realize that dreams can become reality if they work hard every day." The London match marks the first of three consecutive NFL games scheduled in the city for October, part of a record‑setting nine international contests this season. The league’s expansion into markets such as Melbourne and Rio de Janeiro underscores Commissioner Roger Goodell’s ambition to stage 16 games abroad each year. Colts safety Cam Bynum voiced his enthusiasm for travel, saying, "If I could play overseas every week, I would.
The only downside is losing the routine that keeps my body in peak condition—my regular acupuncture, massages, and other treatments are hard to coordinate when you’re constantly on a plane. The flight to London gave us only six hours of sleep, but both teams faced the same challenge, so it levels the playing field." Despite logistical hurdles, many players embrace the chance to showcase their talents beyond the United States. Running back Jonathan Taylor arrives in London as one of the league’s marquee attractions, having led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns and amassing 1,585 yards on the ground.
"Playing abroad takes you to places you’ve never imagined," Taylor said. "I remember my senior year in high school—our Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl drew a crowd of a thousand, the biggest I’d ever played in. From that small field to Wisconsin, Indianapolis, and now London, the journey feels unreal, and I’m grateful for every moment." The Commanders enter the contest fresh off an upset win over the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is slated to start after Jayden Daniels suffered an injury.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, a speedster, was listed as questionable due to a hamstring issue, while veteran Stefon Diggs remains a reliable target. Gardner praised both: "McLaurin has elite speed and explosiveness, while Diggs may not be as quick but he’s incredibly smart, has great hands, and knows how to create separation." Head coach Shane Steichen’s side managed to snap a potential 0‑3 start with the victory over Seattle, a win that Gardner says can shift a team’s entire energy. "Going from 0‑3 to 1‑2 feels like a whole new season. We were so close against the Chiefs; we should have taken that game.
Now we have no choice but to win this one," he emphasized. The NFL’s commitment to global growth is evident not only in the number of international games but also in the fan experience.
London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium provides a state‑of‑the‑art venue, and the broadcast on Sky Sports ensures millions can watch live. The league also encourages viewers to use Chrome for optimal video playback. Looking ahead, the 2026 NFL season will continue to be available on Sky Sports, including every playoff matchup and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for February 14, 2027. Fans can explore subscription options, stream without a contract on NOW, and stay updated on the latest deals.
In summary, Sauce Gardner’s long‑awaited U.S. win has finally arrived, but his story is now taking him back across the Atlantic. The Colts’ London adventure highlights the NFL’s expanding horizons, the personal narratives of players like Bernhard Raimann and Jonathan Taylor, and the logistical challenges of competing on a global stage.
As the league pushes toward a future with more international games, the excitement in London—and across the world—continues to grow.