Braden Smith managed 12 appearances for the Colts in 2024, remaining a full-time starter up front. The veteran right tackle was away from the team for the end of the campaign, however, and further details regarding his absence have emerged. 
In a detailed piece documenting Smith’s situation, Joel A. Erickson of the Indy Star notes the 29-year-old dealt with religious scrupulosity, which is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (or OCD). Smith played through the issue during the 2024 campaign, but his worsening condition caused him to pause his career and attempt a number of treatment options.
“I was physically present, but I was nowhere to be found,” Smith said when reflecting on his time with the team. “I did not care about playing football. I didn’t care about hanging out with my family, with my wife, with my newborn son. I [felt like I] was a month away from putting a bullet through my brain.”
Smith told his wife in September he intended to retire at the end of the season if the issue persisted. The seven-year veteran spent 48 days at a treatment facility after stepping away from the Colts, receiving an official diagnosis for the first time. A number of treatment options and medications proved ineffective in terms of improving his condition on a permanent basis, however.
The decision was therefore made to attempt treatment using ibogaine in Mexico (since it is illegal in the United States). The psychoactive alkaloid compound has been used in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder as well traumatic brain injury, and it – along with a regimen of OCD-specific therapy sessions back home – yielded progress. As a result, Smith is now prepared to resume his career.
The former second-rounder agreed to a restructure this offseason, lowering his cap hit to $10.4MM. Smith is a pending 2026 free agent, so his performance next season will be critical in determining his future. He will be counted on to reprise his role as a key O-lineman after Indianapolis lost center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries on the open market. OCD will remain a part of Smith’s life moving forward, but, fortunately, he appears to be in position to return to the Colts on a full-time basis.
“I wasn’t here last year,” he added. “I was physically here, but I wasn’t. I want to be me again here, and I want the people around me to experience that, because I do feel like I do have something to offer the people around me.”
Congratulations on the bold actions which have led to your recovery. Thank you for your candid disclosure on both your condition and for what resulted in your recovery. Hopefully, the cure is not a banned substance that will get you suspended. Colts deserve credit for their patience, understanding and for recognizing that, while a football player, Smith is a human being FIRST and FOREMOST.
I think this is the best comment I’ve seen from the King of Word Play. I don’t mind his attempts at humor but more insightful comments like this would also be appreciated.
Hope he got the help he needs. Was a great player for period. But more importantly hopefully he’s able to have a happy life
Reading deeper seems like he found treatment which is great. Now hopefully he can get back to being a solid player
Good on him for not only dealing with it, but opening up about it. So many people suffer from forms of OCD without even knowing they have it. People who only know OCD from movies think it’s just being really clean or locking your doors a few times. It takes a lot of torturous forms, but there are also a lot of helpful treatments for people who can manage to undertake them.
Best wishes on your recovery and I appreciate the openness.
Correct me if I’m wrong in being a pessimist here, But if he had to go to Mexico to take an illegal drug to as he put it be himself, How’s he going to pass a drug test to play football in the NFL? Lots of guys have played this game with marijuana and lost to the NFL. Interested in seeing how this one ends. I expect he’d have to get some kind of special waiver am I right?
I think the NFL is mostly interested in performance enhancing drugs + Marijuana. I dont think he is taking it now since it was administered on site in Mexico. Also if you take something in the offseason, I dont think they can do anything, you just have to be clean when you test in camp.
I thought they have random drug tests all through the year? That’s my understanding anyway. So you’re saying he took this stuff and was cured? He doesn’t need to keep taking it? Sounds like fantasy to me. Look I hope he keeps taking anything that keeps him from wanting to” Put a bullet in my head” Screw the NFL. But seems like his playing career is in jeopardy to me.
“So you’re saying he took this stuff and was cured? He doesn’t need to keep taking it? Sounds like fantasy to me.”
No. The article states that it was administered in combination with therapy and that he is specifically not cured, just able to manage it better.
I highly doubt they test for this very specific drug that isn’t performance-enhancing or recreational. Drug tests typically don’t detect any old substance.
Didnt AR say he took psychedelics on one his journeys outside the country? NFL didn’t do squat.
Marijuana is no longer banned by the NFL (finally).
But also, for most people with OCD, cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy will do the trick without having to leave the country to do psychedelics that are illegal here.
“religious scrupulosity” jeezus they got a name for everything. dude is cooked
God damn religion in America is off its rocker
He has OCD. Religion is a contributing factor not the cause.
It amazes me how people read but don’t comprehend
Religious scrupulosity, also known as religious OCD, is a form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) where a person experiences persistent religious obsessions and compulsions, leading to distress and anxiety. These obsessions often involve fears of sin, divine judgment, or moral violations, while compulsions may manifest as excessive prayer, confession, or rituals to appease those fears.
Elaboration:
Scrupulosity is characterized by:
Intrusive thoughts:
These are often religious or moral in nature, leading to doubts about one’s faith, actions, and thoughts.
Excessive anxiety:
Individuals with scrupulosity experience intense anxiety and fear related to their religious obsessions.
Compulsive behaviors:
These are often religious in nature, such as excessive prayer, repeated confessions, or seeking reassurance from religious leaders.
Disruptive impact:
The intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and ability to function.
Examples of obsessions:
Worrying about committing a sin, Fear of divine punishment, Doubts about one’s salvation, Fear of blasphemy or disrespect towards God, and Intrusive sexual or violent thoughts related to religious figures.
Examples of compulsions:
Repeatedly confessing to a priest or religious leader
Excessive prayer or reading religious texts
Seeking reassurance from others about their religious beliefs
Avoiding situations that may trigger religious obsessions
Key differences from normal religious practice:
While normal religious practice may involve some degree of introspection and concern about one’s faith, scrupulosity involves intense, persistent, and intrusive thoughts and compulsions that are disproportionate to the perceived threat. Scrupulosity can significantly impact a person’s life and ability to function, while normal religious practice generally serves as a source of comfort and guidance