Former Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has officially reported to jail after pleading guilty to driving under the influence.
The 41-year-old was booked into Williamson County Jail in Franklin, Tennessee, on Monday to begin serving a four-day sentence, local station WSMV reported. The incident comes days after Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson was slammed for his angry gesture to a female reporter.
The conviction stems from an October 2023 crash in Franklin, when Cutler allegedly rear-ended another vehicle. Officers at the scene said the ex-NFL quarterback appeared impaired, slurring his words and refusing field sobriety tests.
DUI plea deal avoids weapon charges
Authorities obtained a warrant for a blood draw, which confirmed intoxication. Police also discovered a rifle and a loaded pistol in the center console of Cutler’s truck, Fox News reports.
He was initially charged with multiple offenses, including DUI, failure to exercise due care, implied consent, and possession of a handgun while under the influence.
Under a plea deal reached last month, Cutler pleaded guilty to just the DUI charge. The other counts were dismissed, though he was forced to forfeit his firearm.
Jail time, probation and safety classes
As part of the agreement, Cutler must complete a DUI safety class, serve one year of unsupervised probation, and pay a $350 fine. His driver’s license has also been revoked.
Once his four days in jail are complete, he’ll be released but remain under the probation order.
Cutler’s NFL legacy
Cutler spent 12 seasons in the NFL, playing his first three with the Denver Broncos before being traded to the Chicago Bears in 2009.
He played 102 regular-season games for Chicago, throwing for more than 23,000 yards and 154 touchdowns. Despite his stats, the Bears reached the playoffs only once under his leadership, losing in the 2010 NFC Championship.
Cutler wrapped up his pro career with the Miami Dolphins in 2017, retiring with more than 35,000 passing yards and 160 touchdowns.
Outside football, he was previously married to reality TV star Kristin Cavallari, with whom he shares three children.