Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler has been sentenced to four days in jail after pleading guilty to a DUI charge stemming from an October 2024 arrest in Franklin, Tennessee. The case, which also involved firearms found in his vehicle, has drawn national attention and sparked conversations about accountability for public figures.
According to court records, Cutler was arrested after rear-ending another car. Officers reported that he showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, and noted the smell of alcohol. He refused field sobriety tests, leading to a court-ordered blood draw. Police also discovered two firearms in his vehicle, including a loaded handgun.
As part of a plea agreement reached in Williamson County Court on August 26, 2025, Cutler admitted guilt to a misdemeanor DUI. In exchange, prosecutors dropped charges related to possessing firearms while under the influence.
His sentence includes:
- Four days in jail, beginning September 29
- $350 fine
- One year of unsupervised probation
- Completion of a DUI safety class
- Revocation of his Tennessee driver’s license
- Permanent surrender of the loaded handgun found during the arrest
The case drew further controversy after reports alleged that Cutler tried to flee the scene and even offered the other driver $2,000 not to call police. Those claims, though not pursued as separate charges, added to the scrutiny surrounding his conduct.
For many, the outcome highlights issues of celebrity accountability and public safety. While Cutler is best remembered for his career with the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears, his off-field controversies—from trophy hunting to this conviction—are increasingly shaping his public image.
Cutler will begin serving his sentence at the end of September, closing one chapter of a case that illustrates the serious consequences of driving under the influence, regardless of fame or status.