Braden Smith Bio
Braden Smith is an American professional football offensive tackle who has played in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 25, 1996, in Olathe, Kansas, he played college football for the Auburn Tigers before being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Smith quickly established himself as a reliable starter on the Colts’ offensive line, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 2018 and maintaining a starting role throughout his career with the organization.
Early Life and Background
Braden Smith grew up in Olathe, Kansas, where he attended Olathe South High School. During his senior year, Smith served as a two-way lineman on the football varsity team, recording 82 pancake blocks on offense and 59 tackles on defense. His dominant performance as a high school lineman earned him recognition as a four-star recruit by ESPN, ranking him as the No. 9 offensive guard prospect in the class of 2014.
Smith received scholarship offers from several major college programs, including Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Notre Dame. He ultimately decided to commit to Auburn University on May 27, 2014, where he would continue his football development at the collegiate level.
Path to Professional Football
Smith arrived at Auburn University in 2014 as a highly regarded freshman prospect. He appeared in 12 games during his first season, gaining valuable experience against some of the toughest competition in college football. His sophomore year marked a significant breakthrough, as he transitioned to playing right guard and earned Second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors for his performance.
The 2016 and 2017 seasons represented the pinnacle of Smith’s college career. He earned All-America honors in both years and claimed the Jacobs Blocking Trophy in 2017, awarded to the best blocker in the SEC. Smith finished his collegiate career with 41 starts across four seasons, establishing himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the conference.
Braden Smith Career
Indianapolis Colts (2018-2025)
Smith was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 37th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was named the starting right tackle in Week 5 of his rookie season and started the final 12 regular-season games, plus both playoff games. His strong debut campaign earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, validating the Colts’ investment in the former Auburn standout.
Smith’s performance continued to improve in subsequent seasons. On July 28, 2021, he signed a four-year, $72.4 million contract extension, reflecting the Colts’ confidence in his abilities. He remained a fixture on Indianapolis’s offensive line, starting all 13 appearances during the 2025 season before being placed on injured reserve on December 13, 2025, due to a concussion and neck injury sustained in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Houston Texans (2026-Present)
After seven seasons with the Colts organization, Smith signed with the division rival Houston Texans on March 10, 2026. He joined the Texans on a two-year, $25 million contract, bringing his experience and consistency to a team looking to strengthen its offensive line. This move to a within-division rival marked a new chapter in Smith’s professional career.
Playing Style and Strengths
Smith’s success as an offensive tackle stems from his combination of size, footwork, and technical proficiency. Listed at 6 feet 6 inches and 312 pounds, he possesses the length and strength necessary to handle powerful defensive ends and the agility to mirror quicker pass rushers. His experience playing both guard and tackle in college provided him with versatility that served him well in the NFL.
Notable Seasons and Milestones
Throughout his career, Smith has demonstrated durability and reliability, appearing in 107 games and starting 105 throughout his NFL career through 2025. His rookie season playoff performance and his ability to earn a significant contract extension both stand out as career highlights. The 2024 season presented challenges when Smith was diagnosed with a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder called religious scrupulosity, which caused him to miss the final five games of that season.
Braden Smith Honors and Achievements
Smith’s collegiate career at Auburn produced an impressive array of honors. His performance at right guard earned him recognition throughout the Southeastern Conference and nationally.
College Highlights
Smith earned First-team All-American honors in 2017, the same year he received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the SEC’s top blocker. He was a two-time First-team All-SEC selection in 2016 and 2017, following his Second-team All-SEC honor in 2015. These accolades reflected his consistent dominance against some of college football’s top defensive talent.
Professional Recognition
In his first NFL season, Smith was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, an accomplishment that validated his transition to professional football and established expectations for his future contributions to the Colts’ offense.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| PFWA All-Rookie Team | 2018 |
| First-team All-American | 2017 |
| Jacobs Blocking Trophy | 2017 |
| 2x First-team All-SEC | 2016, 2017 |
| Second-team All-SEC | 2015 |
Braden Smith Personal Life
Smith has spoken publicly about his Christian faith. In 2024, he was diagnosed with religious scrupulosity, a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The condition caused significant challenges during the 2024 NFL season and nearly led to his retirement from football. Smith sought treatment in Mexico, where he received ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT therapy, substances prohibited in the United States. Following treatment and returning home to begin therapy, Smith reported meaningful improvement in his condition.
Smith is married, and he and his wife have a son together. His family has provided support throughout his football career, including during his health challenges.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represented another productive year for Smith as a member of the Indianapolis Colts. He started all 13 appearances for the team before his season was interrupted by injury. The concussion and neck injury sustained in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars resulted in his placement on injured reserve, ending his campaign prematurely.
Throughout the season, Smith continued to anchor the Colts’ offensive line, providing consistent pass protection and run-blocking for the team’s offense. His durability over multiple seasons demonstrated the reliability that has characterized his professional career. The 2025 campaign also marked one of the final seasons of his tenure with the Colts organization before his move to Houston in 2026.
At 30 years old entering the 2026 season, Smith brings extensive experience to the Houston Texans’ offensive line. His track record of starting over 100 games and his proven ability to perform at a high level make him a valuable addition to the Texans’ roster as they look to build their offense around their quarterback.