Colts' Offensive Lineman Returns After Rare OCD Diagnosis

A New Chapter for Braden Smith

Braden Smith, the offensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts, missed the final five games of the 2024 season after being placed on the non-football injury (NFI) list on December 14. It wasn’t until later that he revealed the true reason behind his absence: he was battling mental health challenges, specifically a form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) known as “religious scrupulosity.” Now, Smith is back and feeling better than ever.

“This is the best I’ve felt in a really long time,” Smith said after practice. “I’m in a spectacular place.”

Understanding Religious Scrupulosity

Religious scrupulosity is a subtype of OCD characterized by intense religious or moral obsessions. Individuals with this condition often worry excessively about their thoughts or actions being sinful or violating religious or moral doctrines. They may feel that their thoughts reflect negatively on their character or spiritual worth.

The International OCD Foundation explains that people with scrupulosity may engage in compulsions such as excessive prayer, seeking reassurance, or avoiding certain situations to prevent perceived transgressions. These behaviors can be mentally exhausting and significantly impact daily life.

A Personal Struggle

Smith, who turned 29 in March, reworked his contract with the Colts to free up cap space. While the terms of the deal weren’t disclosed at the time, it was noted that his absence in 2024 was due to a personal matter. General manager Chris Ballard’s comments at the time now make more sense in light of what Smith has been through.

“We’re supporting Braden. I think the world of him and he’s been a great player for us. We’ll see going forward,” Ballard said.

Smith shared with the Indy Star that there were moments when things were extremely difficult for him. “I was physically present, but I was nowhere to be found,” he said. “I felt like I was a month away from putting a bullet in my brain.”

The Impact of Religious Scrupulosity

Smith described how his struggle with religious scrupulosity affected him. He was obsessing over his Christian faith, which became mentally damaging. “I don’t do compulsive prayers at all anymore,” he said. “I don’t do the replacing the good with the bad. If I have a bad thought, it’s just, like, OK, that’s one of many thoughts. I’ll just move on with my day and don’t let it affect me.”

He used to spend 3 to 5 hours a day engaging in compulsions, which left him exhausted. “There was only one person that was ever perfect, and that was Jesus. When you’re trying to live up to that standard, actually live that out, it’ll drive you nuts.”

A Positive Turnaround

The Colts are happy to have Smith back in camp and in a good place. “Braden Smith is back and he’s in a great spot,” Ballard said in April. “I think people forget how good Braden is.”

Smith is now focused on football and turning his negative experiences into a positive. “Now, instead of obsessing over other things,” he said. “I can obsess over my craft, turn a negative into a positive.”

Moving Forward

Smith’s journey highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems. His openness about his struggles has helped shed light on the challenges faced by those dealing with OCD and other mental health issues.

With his renewed focus and determination, Smith is ready to contribute to the team and continue his career on the field. Hopefully, his mental struggles are behind him, and he can look forward to a successful future in football.