In the world of football, battles are often measured in yards, points, and power plays. But for Braden Smith, a former Auburn Tigers standout and current NFL offensive lineman, the most challenging battle hasn’t taken place on the gridiron—it’s happening off the field, against an invisible adversary. Smith’s journey through adversity, marked by courage, grit, and heart, has captured the attention of the Auburn family and the broader football community, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience in times of struggle.
A Legacy of Strength at Auburn
Braden Smith arrived on the Auburn campus in 2014 as a highly touted recruit out of Olathe, Kansas. A consensus four-star prospect, Smith quickly emerged as one of the most physically dominant offensive linemen in the SEC. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing over 300 pounds, Smith became a cornerstone of Auburn’s offensive line, paving the way for record-setting running backs like Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway.
During his four-year tenure with the Tigers, Smith earned All-SEC honors and was named a First-Team All-American in 2017. His work ethic, durability, and quiet leadership made him a fan favorite and a coach’s dream. He appeared in 53 games for Auburn and started 41 of them, often playing through minor injuries without complaint. His stoic demeanor off the field and punishing presence on it earned him the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
But beyond the accolades and accolades, it was Smith’s quiet resilience that foreshadowed the character he would later lean on in much darker times.
From the Plains to the Pros
After graduating from Auburn, Smith entered the 2018 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the second round (37th overall) by the Indianapolis Colts. He quickly made an impact in the league, starting 13 games as a rookie and anchoring the right side of the Colts’ offensive line.
Smith’s versatility, capable of playing both guard and tackle, made him a valuable asset to the team. By 2020, he had solidified his role as the Colts’ starting right tackle and was recognized as one of the top linemen in the AFC. He signed a four-year, $72.4 million contract extension in 2021, reflecting both his performance and his importance to the Colts’ offensive scheme.
Yet, as his career ascended on the field, Smith was beginning to face challenges away from the stadium—challenges that would test every ounce of the fortitude he’d built as a Tiger.
A Silent Struggle Begins
In early 2024, whispers began to emerge that Smith had missed team workouts and mandatory minicamps due to “personal issues.” At first, fans and media assumed it might be contract-related or tied to a lingering injury. But when Smith was later placed on the non-football illness list, the tone changed.
For months, little was said publicly. The Colts organization remained tight-lipped, honoring Smith’s request for privacy. However, in a heartfelt statement released in November 2024, Smith revealed the true nature of his absence: he had been diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder that attacked his nervous system and muscles. The condition, which doctors say may have been dormant for years, had begun manifesting in ways that disrupted his coordination, caused chronic fatigue, and made daily life—let alone football—a monumental task.
“Football has always been my safe haven,” Smith wrote. “But over the last year, I’ve been forced to fight a battle I never saw coming. It’s a war within my own body, and it’s challenged me more than any defensive end ever has.”
Rallying the Auburn Family
The news hit the Auburn community hard. Smith, known for his indestructibility, was now engaged in a fight that couldn’t be won with strength alone. But true to Auburn’s creed of loyalty and family, former teammates, coaches, and fans rallied behind their fallen warrior.
Former head coach Gus Malzahn called Smith “the definition of Auburn Tough” and shared a message of support: “Braden was always the one we could count on when things got tough. Now it’s our turn to stand with him.”
Social media lit up with messages from former Tigers like Jarrett Stidham, Derrick Brown, and Daniel Carlson, who shared their admiration for Smith and offered words of encouragement.
The Auburn Athletic Department organized a “Battle for Braden” campaign, raising funds for autoimmune research and creating a platform for awareness. T-shirts emblazoned with “Smith Strong” became a common sight at Auburn home games in late 2024, with proceeds going directly to the Braden Smith Foundation.
Inspiration in the Face of Adversity
Despite his medical challenges, Smith has remained active in the community and in football. During his recovery, he’s taken on an informal role as a mentor and coach for young offensive linemen, both in Indianapolis and back at Auburn. He’s spoken to the Tigers’ offensive line room via Zoom, sharing his story, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, and encouraging players to appreciate every snap.
“He told us, ‘Don’t take anything for granted,’” said Auburn center Avery Jones. “He said he used to think he was invincible, but now he’s learning to fight a different kind of battle—and he’s doing it with more courage than I’ve ever seen.”
Smith has also worked with nonprofit organizations focusing on athletes with chronic illnesses and neurological conditions. His openness about his struggles has been credited with breaking down stigmas and opening conversations in the NFL about long-term health and well-being.
A Comeback on the Horizon?
While the severity of Smith’s condition has kept him sidelined from football, sources close to him say that he hasn’t ruled out a return to the NFL. He’s undergone experimental treatments and is reportedly responding well to physical therapy, regaining strength and balance that had once seemed lost.
But Smith remains grounded.
“Right now, I’m not worried about sacks or snaps,” he said in a February 2025 interview. “I’m focused on living well, being present with my wife and family, and helping others navigate their own health battles.”
Still, the fire of competition hasn’t dimmed completely.
“He’s a fighter,” said Colts head coach Shane Steichen. “If anyone can come back from something like this, it’s Braden. But even if he never plays another down, his legacy is already written—in grit, in sacrifice, and in the impact he’s made on others.”
The Bigger Picture
Braden Smith’s story serves as a reminder that even the toughest among us are not immune to life’s uncertainties. But what separates Smith isn’t his ability to block blitzing linebackers or pancake defenders—it’s his willingness to face the unknown with courage and grace.
In a sport where machismo often overshadows vulnerability, Smith has embraced both. He’s allowed fans to see the man behind the helmet—one who bleeds orange and blue, who pushes through pain with purpose, and who leads not only by brute strength but by unshakable character.
And in doing so, he has inspired a new generation of Auburn athletes to understand that true toughness is not about physical dominance, but about rising when life tries to knock you down.
