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Braden Smith is happy to return at the Indianapolis Colts training camp. The NFL 2024 campaign of the offensive liner ended prematurely due to Smith’s struggles with the obsessive compulsive disorder.
More specifically, Smith had a specific type of disorder known as religious scrupulousness.
Smith embarked on an extensive search for relief, trying therapeutic and medicinal treatments along the way. His trip also took him to Mexico, where he sought psychedelic.
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The offensive Tackle of the Indianapolis Colts, Braden Smith, is heated on July 28, 2025, before the training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield. (Mykal Mceldowney/Indistar/USA Today Network through IMAGN images)
Finally he reached a point where he successfully took the control of the TOC that previously controlled it. Smith says he entered the last chapter of his NFL career in a good place.
“I am in a spectacular place, sincerely,” Smith told the star of Indianapolis. “I have learned a lot about me. I have learned different tools and strategies. I have had a great support system here and at home.”
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Smith pointed out Ibogaine’s treatment that underwent Mexico when he spoke about erasing many of the poor habits he created in his mind. When his OCD was in its peak, Smith would feel the need to pray, regret or declare his faith repetitively.
Braden Smith of the Indianapolis Colts leaves the field after a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Lucas Oil Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Smith admitted that the TOC is still part of him, but the disorder no longer constantly affects his daily life.
“There are no boxes that need to mark, there are no things to do,” said Smith. “It is not perfect, but it allows me to give everything and not worry why it can happen.”
Smith is a Christian. He is advancing with a more balanced approach for his faith, which now bases love instead of guilt.
“You have to find out what is healthy and what is not healthy. It looks a bit different for each person,” said Smith. “My relationship with God does not have to be a kind of things that cut cookies … Fortunately, the point is simply (having) a relationship.”
The offensive Tackle of the Indianapolis Colts Braden Smith extends on Monday, July 28, 2025, during the Grand Park training camp in Westfield. (Mykal Mceldowney/Indistar/USA Today Network through IMAGN images)
Smith’s struggles were significant enough that he contemplated retiring from football. He played in 12 games in 2024.
Smith recognized the effect OCD had on his performance in the field last year.
“Last year, I was a little out there,” said Smith. “I was going through the movements, but I didn’t feel that advantage that players have. I didn’t have that last year. I didn’t feel that.”
In addition to mental health obstacles, Smith suffered a knee injury in 2023, seven games were lost that season and underwent surgery.
A mentally and physically healthy Smith hopes to play the game he loves.
“This is probably the best I’ve felt in a long time,” he said. “It’s good to see everything joins. Now, I can go play football.”
