Braden Smith returns to NFL after OCD treatment and recovery
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Braden Smith is happy to be back Indianapolis Colts Training camp. The offensive lineman’s 2024 NFL campaign ended prematurely due to Smith’s struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
More specifically, Smith fought against a certain type of disorder known as religious abrasions.
Smith embarked on an extensive search for relief, and along the way he attempted treatment and medication. His journey took him to Mexico, where he searched for psychedelics.
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Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith warms up Warm until July 28, 2025, ahead of training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield. (Mykal McEldowney/Indystar/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
He finally reached the point where he successfully gained control of the OCD, which he had previously controlled. Smith says he entered the latest chapter of his NFL career in a good place.
“To be honest, I’m in an epic place,” Smith said. Indianapolis star. “I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about various tools and strategies. I had a great support system here and at home.”
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When Smith spoke about how many of the poor habits he created in his mind can be erased, he pointed to the ibogaine treatment he received in Mexico. When his OCD reaches its peak, Smith will feel the need to pray, repent, and declare his faith in a repetitive way.
Braden Smith of the Indianapolis Colts leaves the field on October 16, 2022 after beating the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (Justin Caster Line/Getty Images)
Smith admitted that OCD is still a part of him, but the disability is no longer constantly affecting his daily life.
“There’s no box that you need to check off, there’s nothing I need to do,” Smith said. “It’s not perfect, but it allowed me to give him all of it and I couldn’t worry about what else would happen.”
Smith is Christian. He is moving forward with a more balanced approach to his faith. He is now based on love, not guilt.
“We have to find out what is healthy and what is unhealthy. That seems a little different to everyone,” Smith said. “My relationship with God doesn’t have to be a cookie cutter type. … Fortunately, the whole point is that I have a mere (() relationship.”
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith will stretch on Monday, July 28th, 2025 during training camp at Grand Park in Westfield. (Mykal McEldowney/Indystar/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Smith’s struggle was so important that he thought of retiring. From soccer. He played in 12 games in 2024.
Smith acknowledged the impact that OCD had on the field performance last year.
“Last year, I was just there,” Smith said. “I was experiencing movements, but I didn’t feel the edge the players have. I didn’t have it last year. I didn’t feel that.”
Besides, Mental health Hurdle, Smith suffered a knee injury in 2023, missed seven games that season and underwent surgery.
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Mentally and physically healthy, Smith looks forward to playing the games he loves.
“This is probably the best I’ve felt in a really long time,” he said. “It’s kind of nice to see everything come together. Now I can just play football.”
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