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Braden Smith is happy to be back at Indianapolis Colts Training Camp. The Offensive Lineman’s 2024 NFL campaign ended too early due to Smith’s matches with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
More specifically, Smith claimed with a particular type of disorder known as religious scrupulosity.
Smith began an extensive search for relief and tried therapeutic and medical treatments along the way. His journey also took him to Mexico, where he sought psychedelik.
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Indianapolis Colts Offensive Tackle Braden Smith warms up July 28, 2025, in front of training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield. (Mykal Mceldey/Indystar/USA Today Network via Imag images)
He finally reached a point where he successfully took control of OCD that previously controlled him. Smith says he entered the latest chapter in his NFL career in a good place.
“I’m in a spectacular place, honestly,” Smith told the Indianapolis Star. “I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned different tools and strategies. I’ve had a good support system here and at home.”
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Smith pointed to Ibogaine treatment he went through in Mexico when he talked about being able to erase many of the poor habits he created in his mind. When his OCD was at his peak, Smith would feel the need to pray, repent or declare his belief in a repeated way.
Braden Smith from the Indianapolis Colts goes off the field after a win over Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium October 16, 2022, in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Smith admitted that OCD is still part of him, but suffering no longer affects his daily life.
“There are no boxes I need to check off, there aren’t things I have to do,” Smith said. “It’s not perfect, but it’s kind of allowed me to give it all to him and don’t worry about what else can happen.”
Smith is a Christian. He is moving forward with a more balanced approach to his faith, which he now base on love instead of guilt.
“You have to find out what’s healthy and what’s not healthy. It looks a little different for any person,” Smith said. “My relationship with God doesn’t have to be a cookie-cutter type of thing … Fortunately, the whole point is just (at) a relationship.”
Indianapolis Colts Offensive Tackle Braden Smith extends on Monday, July 28, 2025 during training camp in Grand Park in Westfield. (Mykal Mceldey/Indystar/USA Today Network via Imag images)
Smith’s matches were significant enough, he was considering withdrawing from football. He played in 12 games in 2024.
Smith recognized the effect OCD had on his performance on the field last year.
“Last year I was just kind of out there,” Smith said. “I went through the movements, but I didn’t feel the edge that the players have. I didn’t have that last year. I didn’t feel that.”
Apart from the mental health barriers, Smith sustained a knee injury in 2023, missed seven games that season and underwent an operation.
A mentally and physically healthy Smith looks forward to playing the game he loves.
“This is probably the best I’ve felt for a really long time,” he said. “It’s a little nice to see everything. Now I can just play football.”
