Jay Cutler, the former NFL quarterback known for his 12-season career, has begun serving a short prison sentence after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.
The 42-year-old is facing four days behind bars for a DUI incident that occurred last October.
The former Broncos, Bears, and Dolphins player entered a plea of guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge and has also agreed to attend a DUI safety course and comply with other penalties as part of the deal, per CBS Sports.
The DUI incident and legal consequences
Cutler’s legal troubles began after a car accident in October 2024, where he rear-ended another vehicle. Police at the scene reported that he appeared intoxicated, displaying bloodshot eyes and slurring his speech. When Cutler refused a sobriety test, officers took a blood sample, which showed signs of alcohol consumption. In addition to the DUI charge, Cutler was found in possession of two firearms, one of which was loaded, leading to further charges of unlawful firearm possession while intoxicated.
As part of his plea, several charges, including reckless driving and violating implied consent regulations, were dropped. Cutler has been sentenced to four days in jail, a one-year suspension of his driver’s license, and a fine of $350. He will also serve a year of unsupervised probation.
Personal life and public fallout
The incident comes after Cutler's high-profile divorce from reality TV star Kristin Cavallari in 2020, following seven years of marriage. The couple shares three children and has been publicly feuding over financial matters, with Cavallari accusing Cutler of not sharing any of his $128 million fortune. Cutler has vehemently denied these claims, even addressing the issue in a podcast, emphasizing that the divorce settlement was clear and fair.
As he serves his sentence, Cutler’s legal issues are far from over, and the drama surrounding his personal life continues to unfold publicly.