Colts' Braden Smith Overcomes Severe OCD, Plans NFL Return

After battling religious scrupulosity and suicidal ideation, Smith credits innovative treatments for his recovery and readies for the 2025 season with a restructured contract.

Braden Smith revealed his struggle with religious scrupulosity, a form of OCD that caused relentless anxiety over offending God and led to compulsive behaviors.
Smith's mental health deteriorated to the point of suicidal ideation, prompting a 48-day stay in a Colorado treatment facility and alternative therapy in Mexico.
He underwent ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT treatments in Mexico, which he says helped reset his mental state and improve his condition significantly.
Smith reports that while he still has OCD, it no longer controls his life, and he is ready to return to the NFL for the 2025 season.
The Colts restructured Smith's contract, reducing his salary to $8 million, reflecting their support for his recovery and return to the field.