Braden Smith

Braden Smith, an American professional football offensive tackle for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, was born on March 25, 1996, and he has built up an impressive career history. He gained his initial experience in the realm of football during his high school years and later on at Auburn University, sharpening his skills and becoming a formidable player to contend with on the field.

Born and raised in Olathe, Kansas, Braden developed his love for the sport at a young age. He attended Olathe South High School, where his exceptional abilities on the football field were quickly recognized. As a two-way lineman on the high school’s football varsity team, he was an unstoppable force. In his senior season alone, he was credited with a remarkable 82 pancake blocks on the offensive side and made 59 defensive tackles.

His performance did not go unnoticed, and Braden was considered a four-star recruit by ESPN. This placed him as the 9th top offensive guard prospect in the college recruitment class of 2014. This recognition opened up several opportunities for Braden, with offers extended by some of the country’s top universities, including Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Notre Dame. However, his decision led him to Auburn University.

On May 27, 2014, Braden committed himself to Auburn University. He jumped right into the game, even in his freshman year, participating in 12 games. His sophomore season saw him performing impressively as the team’s right guard. This performance led him to receive the title of Second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Braden’s achievements did not halt there. His subsequent years at Auburn marked several milestones, on both personal and team levels. He received All-America honors in back-to-back years – 2016 and 2017. Also, in 2017, his prowess on the field was further recognized as he received the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given annually to the best blocker in the SEC. By the time he finished his collegiate career, he had started in 41 games over four seasons – a testament to his undeniable talent and dedication.

Braden’s next big break came in 2018 when he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the NFL draft. He was the 37th overall pick. Although he wasn’t immediately placed in the starting lineup, his chance came in Week 5 when he was named the starting right tackle. Braden seized this opportunity, starting the final 12 games of the season, including two games in the playoffs. His performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Unfortunately, his trajectory was briefly halted on December 25, 2020, when he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team. However, he was quickly cleared and reactivated just five days later, on December 30. Braden’s consistent performance and dedication to the Colts were recognized on July 28, 2021, when the team signed him to a four-year contract extension worth $72.4 million.

Braden Smith’s meteoric rise in football, from being a standout high school player to a valuable and dependable offensive tackle in the NFL, shows his persistent determination and constant drive to refine his abilities. As he continues to rise in the world of professional football, his journey serves as an inspiration to many young athletes.