Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler charged with drunken driving and gun possession after a traffic accident

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler was arrested Thursday and charged with driving under the influence and possession of a handgun after a minor collision.

Cutler, 41, was given a $5,000 bond and released, according to a statement from Franklin police.

Police say they responded to a crash and it appeared Cutler’s vehicle rear-ended another vehicle. Officers detected the odor of alcohol on Cutler, who also had bloodshot eyes and was slurring his words, police said.

Cutler refused a field sobriety test and was taken to a hospital where a blood sample was obtained after obtaining a search warrant, the release said.

Police said they also found two firearms in the car, including a loaded handgun.

Cutler was also charged with failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision and breach of implied consent. Under Tennessee law, all charges are felonies or civil violations.

Cutler played 12 seasons in the NFL, throwing for 35,133 yards and 227 touchdowns for Denver, Chicago and Miami. He retired from the Dolphins after the 2017 season.

Cutler was previously married to reality TV star Kristin Cavallari, but the couple announced their divorce in 2020.