Cam Bynum takes an unbeaten international-game record into Sunday’s London meeting between the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the veteran safety aiming to help Indianapolis reach .500 after a turbulent start.
Bynum brings overseas success to London
Bynum, 28, has played three regular-season games outside the United States and won all three. He appeared twice in London during his time with the Minnesota Vikings, then added a victory in Germany last season with the Colts.
- International record: 3-0
- Total tackles: 17
- Passes defended: two
- Interceptions: one
- Forced fumbles: one
Now in his sixth NFL season, Bynum said the energy surrounding overseas games helps him play freely. International fans have limited opportunities to watch live NFL action, he said, and their excitement creates an environment he enjoys.
“I play my best when I’m relaxed and enjoying it,” Bynum said. “Being in another country, playing in front of fans who do not get NFL football every week, gives the game a different kind of energy. I feel loose, I have fun, and that is usually when I make plays.”
Colts defense seeks another turnaround
Indianapolis opened the season 0-2, and its defense endured an especially difficult first two weeks. The Colts allowed a league-high 74 points and surrendered 1,029 yards, the second-highest two-game yardage total allowed to begin a season in NFL history.
The unit responded in Week 3, however, limiting Houston to 223 yards in a 19-17 Colts victory. That result gave Indianapolis a chance to level its record at 2-2 in London.
The Commanders arrive with the same objective after their 33-31 Week 3 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Marcus Mariota took over at quarterback for Jayden Daniels in that victory and will again start against the Colts.
Asia remains Bynum’s long-term NFL hope
While Bynum wants to extend his European streak to four wins, he also hopes the NFL eventually stages a regular-season game in Asia. His mother and wife are from the Philippines, and Bynum spends portions of his offseasons there while working with football camps and meeting fans across the region.
He believes an NFL game in Asia could broaden the sport’s reach, particularly with flag football set to be included in the Olympics. Bynum noted that many Asian fans stay awake late into the night, sometimes until the early hours of the morning, to follow NFL games from afar.
“A game anywhere in Asia could change lives,” Bynum said. “There are passionate people throughout that part of the world who already make the effort to watch. Seeing an NFL game in person could show more people that football is a global sport and give them another dream to chase.”
Bynum said he hopes an Asian game arrives during his playing career, joking that he would remain in the league for 20 seasons if that guaranteed him a chance to take part.
