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Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler, who used to be known as “Smokin’ Jay Cutler” due to a meme of him smoking cigarettes on the sidelines, reportedly got behind the wheel of a car after drinking as he was arrested for driving under the influence and gun possession in Franklin, Tennessee.
According to reports, the 41-year-old Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and Miami Dolphins quarterback was arrested and charged with DUI, failure to exercise due care, violation of implied consent law, and possession of a handgun while under the influence on the evening of Thursday, October 17.
A representative for the Franklin Police Department told TMZ that Cutler was booked at the Williamson County Jail, where he took a mugshot before posting a $5,000 bond for his release.
via Williamson County Jail
Cutler has yet to make a public statement about his arrest at the time of this writing.
During his NFL career, which spanned from 2006 to 2017, Cutler played in 153 regular season games and compiled a record of 74-79, with eight of his 12 seasons being with the Chicago Bears.
Cutler completed 62% of his passes for 35,133 yards, 227 touchdowns, and 160 interceptions. The former Vanderbilt QB is the Bears’ franchise leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, attempts, and completions.
Cutler was one of the most mercurial quarterbacks of his generation as the Denver Broncos traded him away while he was entering his prime. Then, while in Chicago, there were routine questions about his leadership and his ability to be a franchise QB. The “Smokin’ Jay Cutler” memes were meant to reflect the apparent apathy that Cutler had about both winning and losing.
Since retiring from the NFL in 2017, Cutler has largely been known for his relationship with reality TV star Kristin Cavallari, which ended in divorce in 2020. He’s also been an outspoken supporter of Republican Presidential candidate and 34-time convicted felon Donald Trump.