From NFL Star to Jail Cell
Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler has begun serving a short prison sentence in Tennessee after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors over charges stemming from a 2023 car accident.
The 42-year-old ex-athlete, who played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and Miami Dolphins, reported to Williamson County Jail in Franklin on Monday, September 29, to serve four days behind bars.
The Incident
The charges stem from an incident on October 17, 2023, when Cutler rear-ended another vehicle. Police officers at the scene noted he appeared intoxicated, describing his eyes as bloodshot and his speech as slurred.
Cutler reportedly admitted to having had “a little bit” to drink but refused a field sobriety test. A blood sample was later taken at a hospital. Authorities also found two firearms in his vehicle, one of which was loaded, leading to additional weapons-related charges.
The NFL star was reportedly intoxicated behind the wheel (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The Charges and Plea Deal
Cutler was originally charged with:
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Reckless driving
- Violating implied consent laws
- Possession of a firearm while intoxicated
However, under the plea deal, he pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor DUI charge. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop the other charges, including the weapons offense.
The judge sentenced him to:
- 4 days in jail
- 1 year driver’s license suspension
- DUI safety course
- $350 fine
- 1 year of unsupervised probation
Personal Turmoil
The jail sentence adds to a rocky period in Cutler’s personal life. Since his 2020 divorce from reality TV star Kristin Cavallari, the pair have frequently clashed publicly over money and finances.
Cutler, who reportedly earned over $128 million during his NFL career, was accused by Cavallari of failing to provide financial support. He pushed back on her claims in a podcast interview, calling them “reckless” and “completely false,” and pointing to their 67-page divorce decree as proof of financial settlements.
The former couple share three children: Camden (13), Jaxon (11), and Saylor (9).
A Fall From Grace
Once known for his strong arm and time as the face of the Chicago Bears, Cutler now finds himself making headlines not for his football career but for legal troubles and personal drama.
While his jail time will be short, the incident underscores the struggles many former athletes face in life after the spotlight — and serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of drinking and driving.
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