Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner lamented Wednesday the "embarrassing" effort he displayed in Indianapolis' win over the Washington Commanders in London this past Sunday.
"There was multiple plays where my effort was not there," Gardner said, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder. "That's not what I stand for. That's not the type of person I am. That's not the type of player I am. And that'll never happen again."
Several of Gardner's plays went viral on social media, but he especially drew fans' ire after appearing to let up while pursuing Commanders receiver Antonio Williams on an 87-yard reception. Though Gardner said he saw referees throw a flag on the play and assumed the call was against Washington, he added that he regrets his lapse in effort.
This play came back — but the Commanders have a real one in Antonio Williams. He is legit. https://t.co/gmUbADDiDB
— Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) October 4, 2026
"When I'm loafing, and then I'm seeing him slide past me, it's like, 'Bro, that's embarrassing.' Yeah, that's unacceptable," Gardner said.
Gardner also surrendered big gains to the Commanders on two other plays. On one, he lost track of Treylon Burks in coverage, which led to a 47-yard touchdown. On the other, the 25-year-old couldn't make a play on a well-thrown ball to Dyami Brown for a 48-yard completion.
The two-time Pro Bowler said he's eager to put the performance behind him and focus on improving his on-field habits.
The Colts acquired Gardner in November 2025 in a trade with the New York Jets for two first-round picks to bolster their defensive secondary.
Gardner will look to rebound in Indy's game Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
