Colts Tackle Braden Smith Advocates for Enhanced NFL Player Mental Health Resources

Indianapolis Colts tackle Braden Smith, who experienced serious OCD in 2024, is actively working to expand access to mental-health resources for NFL players and modernize the league's approach to such challenges. Smith is advocating directly with the league to classify mental-health issues like physical injuries, making players eligible for injured reserve rather than the non-football illness list, which could impact salary. He also seeks to establish a network of independent mental-health professionals through the NFL Players Association, addressing player concerns about confidentiality when using team-provided clinicians. Smith's efforts, highlighted after the recent death of Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, aim to remove all barriers to players seeking necessary help.