Former NFL Quarterback Jay Cutler Sentenced to Jail Time for DUI and Firearm Possession After Tennessee Crash

Jay Cutler, former NFL quarterback, received a four-day jail sentence as part of a plea deal on Tuesday following charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and firearm possession in 2024. The incident occurred last October when police responded to an accident involving the car driven by Cutler in Franklin, Tennessee.

Upon arrival, officers reported detecting alcohol on Cutler’s breath, as well as bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Cutler allegedly refused a field sobriety test at the scene and was subsequently taken to a hospital for a blood sample after authorities obtained a search warrant.

The investigation revealed two firearms in Cutler’s vehicle, one of which was loaded. According to reports, Cutler attempted to bribe the other driver with $2,000 not to contact the police following the accident.

On Tuesday, Cutler pled guilty to DUI, and as part of a plea bargain, the firearm possession charge was dropped. He is now required to pay a $350 fine, serve his time at the Williamson County Jail starting on September 29, and complete a year of unsupervised probation, including attending a DUI safety class.

Cutler’s Tennessee driver’s license has been revoked, and he agreed to forfeit his pistol. Efforts to obtain comment from Cutler have not yet been successful. The Williamson County Court was also contacted for comment.

Originally a highly regarded quarterback prospect from Vanderbilt University in the mid-2000s, Cutler was drafted 11th overall in the first round by the Denver Broncos in 2006. He spent three seasons with the team before being traded to the Chicago Bears, where he made a name for himself.

In his eight seasons with the Bears, Cutler broke records as the franchise’s all-time leading passer with 23,443 yards and 154 touchdowns. Over the course of his 12-year NFL career, which included stints with the Broncos, Bears, and Miami Dolphins, he threw for 35,133 yards and 227 touchdowns, wrapping up his final season in 2017.