Jay Cutler, the former quarterback of the NFL, has been arrested in Franklin, Tennessee, facing charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and possession of a firearm, among other offenses. The incident occurred on Thursday when Cutler’s vehicle collided with another car, prompting a response from local police.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers noted signs of impairment. They reported detecting the smell of alcohol on Cutler, who exhibited bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. According to the police report, Cutler refused to participate in a field sobriety test conducted at the location of the accident. He was subsequently transported to a hospital, where a blood sample was drawn after authorities secured a search warrant.
Details from the police investigation revealed that Cutler allegedly attempted to evade responsibility by offering the other driver $2,000 to avoid contacting the police. Further scrutiny of his vehicle uncovered two firearms, one of which was a loaded pistol.
As a result of these findings, Cutler was charged with several offenses: DUI (first offense), failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision, implied consent violations, and possession of a handgun while under the influence. He was booked into the Williamson County Jail, where his bond was set at $5,000. Cutler has since been released from custody.
Media outlets, have reached out to Cutler for comments regarding the incident but have not yet received a response.
Cutler’s football career began at Vanderbilt University, where he gained recognition as a talented quarterback. He was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, going as the 11th overall pick. After spending three seasons in Denver, he was traded to the Chicago Bears, where he became a significant figure in the franchise’s history.
During his eight seasons with the Bears, Cutler made his mark, becoming the team’s all-time leading passer with impressive statistics that include 23,443 passing yards and 154 touchdown passes. Over his entire NFL career, which spanned 12 seasons and included stints with the Broncos, Bears, and Miami Dolphins, he amassed a total of 35,133 passing yards and 227 touchdowns.
Cutler’s last season in the NFL was in 2017, after which he stepped away from professional football. In 2020, he made headlines again when he and his wife, reality television star Kristin Cavallari, announced their divorce after a decade of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 2013, share three children: Camden Jack, Jaxon Wyatt, and Saylor James.
This recent incident marks a troubling chapter in Cutler’s post-NFL life, raising questions about the challenges former athletes may face after leaving the spotlight. As the legal process unfolds, Cutler’s actions will likely be scrutinized not only for their legal implications but also for their impact on his public image, particularly given his status as a former professional athlete.
In the meantime, the broader conversation surrounding the responsibilities of public figures and their behavior continues to gain traction, especially in light of high-profile incidents like this. While Cutler’s football legacy remains significant, this arrest serves as a reminder of the complexities that can accompany life after sports.