NFL International Game in London: Colts Win – Nadine Nurasyid Offers a Behind-the-Scenes Look
Colts Turn the Game Around Against Washington
The afternoon of football in London actually started off better for the Washington Commanders. Indianapolis failed to score in the first quarter, while Washington took an early 3–0 lead and later extended it to 6–0. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones also struggled to find his rhythm early on and threw an interception, among other mistakes.
The Commanders also suffered a bitter setback early on. Quarterback Marcus Mariota injured his right knee after being sacked and was unable to continue the game. With starter Jayden Daniels also sidelined due to injury, seventh-round pick Athan Kaliakmanis made his NFL debut.
Indianapolis then found its rhythm. Before halftime, the Colts scored ten straight points and headed into the locker room with the lead.
Jonathan Taylor Leads Indianapolis to Victory
After the break, the Colts continued to extend their lead. An interception by Kaliakmanis put Indianapolis in a good position early in the third quarter.
Although Washington managed a deep touchdown pass to Dyami Brown, the Colts’ victory was never seriously threatened.
Running back Jonathan Taylor, in particular, was a decisive factor for Indianapolis. With 95 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, he led the Colts’ offense.
Washington, on the other hand, had major trouble keeping its drives alive. Only two of 15 third downs were converted, and the team also committed ten penalties totaling 84 yards.
In the end, the Indianapolis Colts secured a decisive 30–13 victory—their second win of the season.
For Nadine Nurasyid, London marks a special return to Europe
For Nadine Nurasyid, the International Game was special for yet another reason.
The Munich-based coach is part of the Indianapolis Colts’ coaching staff this season and had just gotten used to the daily routine of the NFL after her first few weeks in the U.S. when the trip to London came up.
“London was, of course, something very special for me—to be playing in Europe again,” Nurasyid says.
They maintained their normal routine for as long as possible. On Wednesday and Thursday, the Colts trained as usual in the U.S. before heading to London late Thursday night.
But as soon as an NFL team boards the plane, an organizational challenge begins that’s barely visible to outsiders.
“Hats off to the team behind the team”
Nurasyid was particularly impressed by the effort that goes into ensuring that players and coaches can work under conditions as close as possible to those at home, even several thousand kilometers away from Indianapolis.
When the team arrived in London, practically everything was ready.
Equipment was already on site, meeting rooms were set up, the dining area was prepared, and a practice field was available right next to the hotel.
The players’ meals and beverages were also adapted to match their usual routines from Indianapolis.
Nurasyid particularly highlights the work of the staff members from Equipment, Football Operations, and Nutrition.
“It’s really amazing what they do,” she says. “Hats off to this team behind the team, which makes it possible for the team on the ground to train just as they normally would.”
It’s precisely this work that shows what goes into an NFL International Game: For players and coaches, as little as possible should change despite the flight, jet lag, and new surroundings.
NFL Games in Europe Remain Something Special
Despite the tightly packed schedule, the Colts still had a little time to experience London.
After all, for many American players, a trip like this is anything but an everyday occurrence. Some of them had never been outside the U.S. before.
“For them, it’s obviously something very special to just get to experience the European fans for a change,” Nurasyid explains.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium also made an impression on her.
“I’d never been there before. It’s an incredibly amazing stadium.”
And by the time the final whistle blew, the special trip had also turned into a successful one from a sporting perspective.
“Of course, you couldn’t fly home happier or have a better flight than after a win.”
No Bye Week: Straight Back to the NFL Routine
The strain of an international game becomes particularly evident after the return.
Many NFL teams get a bye week after a game in Europe. For Indianapolis, it was different this time.
Nurasyid and the Colts returned to the U.S. and had to immediately prepare for their next road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“We didn’t have a bye week and actually headed straight to the next road game,” Nurasyid reports.
The organizational effort doesn’t end with the return flight. After dealing with jet lag, travel, and the International Game, the normal NFL rhythm must be reestablished as quickly as possible.
For Nurasyid, however, the positives clearly outweigh the negatives.
“These International Games are always something very special. No question, it’s a huge effort for everyone involved. But it’s worth it.”
European fans create a special atmosphere
For Nurasyid, that’s precisely where the special appeal of the NFL’s international games lies.
The league brings American football directly to fans who are normally thousands of kilometers away from NFL stadiums. At the same time, players and coaches experience an atmosphere that differs from typical regular-season games in the U.S.
For many players, it’s their first opportunity to experience firsthand just how large the NFL fan base has become outside of North America.
London once again demonstrated just how important the International Games have become on the NFL calendar.
From London to Munich: The next NFL highlight awaits
And it is precisely this special atmosphere that will soon return to Germany.
On November 15, 2026, the Detroit Lions and the New England Patriots will face off at the NFL Munich Game 2026 in Munich.
There, too, the International Game means far more to both teams than just another away game. Equipment, nutrition, training conditions, meetings, travel, and numerous organizational processes must be planned so that, despite being thousands of kilometers apart, the teams can focus as much as possible on what matters most: football.
The Colts’ experience in London already demonstrates the amount of effort that goes on behind the scenes before the first snap even takes place on game day.
Munich Becomes a Football City Once Again
For the fans, however, the experience begins long before kickoff.
Numerous fan activities, events, and attractions are expected in Munich surrounding the 2026 NFL Munich Game. With hotspots in the city center, international fans, and the game at the Allianz Arena, the city will once again become the gathering place for the European football community for a weekend.
For Munich, following the previous NFL away games, this is the next opportunity to show just how great the enthusiasm for American football and the NFL has become.
In early October, London demonstrated just how special an International Game can be for fans, players, and coaches.
On November 15, Munich takes the stage.
