The former quarterback of the NFL, Jay Cutlerwas arrested Thursday night, October 17, in Franklin, Tennesseeaccording to a series of media reports such as ESPN. The former player faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of a firearm, linked to drunkenness, according to what was reported by WGN. The arrest came after a minor traffic accident, where he is suspected of rear-ending another vehicle.
A spokesperson for the Police Department Franklin declared to ESPN that during the interaction with the officers, they “noticed a strong odor of alcohol” on the former star, who also “refused to submit to sobriety tests” at the scene of the accident. After this, he was taken to a local hospital to obtain a blood sample through a court order. In a search of Cutler’s car, police found two weapons, including a loaded handgun.
According to NBCthe defendant would have faced additional charges for “failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision and implied consent.” WGN reports that the American football figure allegedly offered $2,000 to another driver to prevent him from calling the police, and subsequently attempted to leave the scene of the accident. He was eventually booked into the county jail. Williamson with a bail of USD 5 thousand and released a few hours later.
The 41-year-old former professional athlete had an outstanding career in the NFL, starting with the Denver Broncoswho selected him in the first round of the 2006 draft. Eventually, he was traded to the Chicago Bearswhere he became the franchise’s best passer with 23,443 yards and 154 touchdowns until his departure in 2016. According to NBC“Cutler was released by the Bears after the 2016 season and played one more year for the Miami Dolphins before hanging up his sneakers for good.”
Since his retirement in 2017, the retired athlete has resided in Tennesseewhere he has lived a quieter life dedicated to agriculture. In 2020, the NFL veteran and his then-wife, the reality TV star Kristin Cavallariannounced their divorce, according to various reports. WGN cites that Cutler made news in 2021 by revealing that he began experiencing symptoms related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disorder linked to repetitive head injuries, common among former American football players.
This legal incident involves an athlete who, having left a legacy in the NFL, faces new challenges off the field. NBC cited authorities as stating that “details about what occurred prior to the arrest were not immediately released,” leaving questions about what happened.
Cutler’s arrest for driving under the influence and weapons possession calls into question not only his judgment, but also the heavy burden some retired athletes face. As the sports community closely follows this case, attention is also focused on how this man will navigate this legal process and the potential impacts on his post-NFL life.
