Career Timeline of Jay Cutler: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Jay Cutler, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jay Cutler is a retired American football quarterback who played 12 seasons in the NFL. He is best known for his time with the Chicago Bears, where he holds the franchise records for passing yards, touchdowns, attempts, and completions. Cutler also played for the Denver Broncos and briefly for the Miami Dolphins before retiring from professional football.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: SEC Offensive Player of the Year

In 2005, Jay Cutler was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year as a senior at Vanderbilt, becoming the first Commodore to win the award since 1967.

July 27, 2006: Signed with the Denver Broncos

On July 27, 2006, Jay Cutler signed a six-year, $48 million contract with the Denver Broncos, including $11 million in bonuses.

2006: Drafted by Denver Broncos

In 2006, Jay Cutler was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the NFL draft after playing college football for the Vanderbilt Commodores.

2007: Jay Cutler Foundation started

During the 2007 offseason, Jay Cutler started the Jay Cutler Foundation to help at-risk youth.

2007: Filming Oprah's Big Give

In 2007, Jay Cutler participated in an episode of Oprah's Big Give filmed in Denver.

2007: First Full Season as Starting Quarterback

The 2007 NFL season marked Jay Cutler's first full season as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, leading to notable career highs.

2008: Pro Bowl Honors

In 2008, Jay Cutler earned Pro Bowl honors during his time with the Denver Broncos, marking a significant achievement in his NFL career.

April 3, 2009: Traded to Chicago Bears

On April 3, 2009, Jay Cutler was traded to the Chicago Bears from the Denver Broncos.

2009: "Touchdowns For Diabetes" campaign

In 2009, Jay Cutler teamed up with Eli Lilly and Company in a campaign called "Touchdowns For Diabetes" to support diabetes camp scholarships.

2010: Led Bears to Division Title

In 2010, Jay Cutler led the Chicago Bears to a division title and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, marking his most successful season with the team.

2010: Contract Extension

On October 20, Jay Cutler and the Bears agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $30 million, running through 2013.

2011: Touchdown record

In 2015, the 21 touchdowns achieved by Jay Cutler were his second-most since 2011.

2011: Offensive struggles and injury

Throughout 2011, Jay Cutler faced criticism for the offensive play-calling, experienced multiple sacks, and had an on-field outburst directed at the offensive coordinator. On November 20, 2011, Cutler broke his thumb, requiring season-ending surgery and impacting the Bears' performance.

2012: Diabetes Awareness visit

In 2012, Jay Cutler visited Perspectives Charter School in Chicago to discuss diabetes awareness.

2013: Contract Extension Running Through

On October 20, 2010, Jay Cutler and the Bears agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $30 million, running through 2013.

January 2, 2014: Cutler signs seven-year deal with Bears

On January 2, 2014, Jay Cutler signed a seven-year deal to remain with the Chicago Bears through the 2020 NFL season.

2014: Season of Highs and Lows

In 2014, Jay Cutler experienced both highs and lows, with the Bears missing the playoffs despite his statistically strong performance. He threw for 3,812 passing yards and a career-high 28 touchdowns, but also led the NFL with 18 interceptions. Cutler also achieved the all-time Chicago Bears record for all-purpose yards in a single season with 4,003 yards.

2015: Cutler's successful season

In 2015, Jay Cutler had one of his best seasons, achieving career highs in passer rating (92.3) and completion percentage (64.4). He finished the season with 3,629 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

November 20, 2016: Cutler sustains labrum injury

On November 20, 2016, Jay Cutler sustained a labrum injury in his throwing shoulder during a loss to the Giants, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season.

March 9, 2017: Cutler released by the Bears

On March 9, 2017, Jay Cutler was released by the Chicago Bears after the guaranteed years in his contract expired.

May 2017: Cutler announces retirement and joins Fox Sports

In May 2017, Jay Cutler announced his retirement from professional football and was hired by Fox Sports to work as a commentator.

August 3, 2017: Dolphins reach out to Cutler after Tannehill's injury

On August 3, 2017, the Miami Dolphins reached out to the retired Jay Cutler after Ryan Tannehill suffered a season-ending injury.

2017: Cutler plays for Dolphins

In 2017, Jay Cutler played for the Miami Dolphins, starting 14 games and finishing with 2,666 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. The Dolphins did not make the playoffs, and Cutler had a 6-8 record as a starter. At the end of the season, Cutler indicated he would continue his NFL career only if he could be a starter.

2020: End of Cutler's contract with the Bears

The seven-year deal Jay Cutler signed with the Bears on January 2, 2014, kept him with the team through the 2020 NFL season.

2021: CUTS meat subscription and Uncut podcast launched

In 2021, Jay Cutler launched a meat subscription service called CUTS and his podcast "Uncut".

2022: Gratis Brewing and Outsider.com

In 2022, Jay Cutler launched Gratis Brewing, based in Nashville. He also became a founding partner in Outsider.com, a digital media lifestyle company.