History of Jay Cutler in Timeline
Jay Cutler is a retired American football quarterback known for his 12 seasons in the NFL. He spent a significant portion of his career with the Chicago Bears, where he set franchise records for passing yards, touchdowns, attempts, and completions.
1954: Historic Playoff Performance
In 1954, Jay Cutler delivered a historic playoff performance reminiscent of Otto Graham's achievements in 1954 and 1955, becoming the second quarterback in NFL history to record both two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a single playoff game.
1955: Historic Playoff Performance
In 1955, Jay Cutler delivered a historic playoff performance reminiscent of Otto Graham's achievements in 1954 and 1955, becoming the second quarterback in NFL history to record both two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a single playoff game.
1967: First Commodore to win SEC Offensive Player of the Year since 1967
Jay Cutler became the first Vanderbilt player to be named SEC Offensive Player of the Year since 1967.
1970: Impressive Rookie Season Statistics
Since 1970, Cutler's rookie season stood out with impressive statistics, including a high touchdown percentage and touchdown-to-interception ratio, showcasing his potential early on.
1975: Vanderbilt's First Victory in Knoxville Since 1975
Cutler led Vanderbilt to a win against Tennessee in Knoxville, marking their first victory at that location since 1975.
1982: Victory Over Tennessee
In 1982, the year before Cutler was born, Vanderbilt achieved a victory against Tennessee.
April 29, 1983: Birth of Jay Cutler
On April 29, 1983, Jay Christopher Cutler was born. He would go on to play quarterback in the NFL.
1983: Early Life and High School Football
In 1983, Cutler was born in Santa Claus, Indiana. He later attended Heritage Hills High School, where he excelled as a quarterback, leading his team to an undefeated season and a state championship.
1983: First Win as a Bronco
Jay Cutler secured his first NFL victory as a starting quarterback on December 17th of his rookie year (the year John Elway was drafted). His performance earned praise from coach Mike Shanahan.
2001: College Football at Vanderbilt
Jay Cutler began his college football journey at Vanderbilt University in 2001, redshirting his freshman year. He went on to become a four-year starter for the Commodores.
2002: Freshman Success and Recognition
During his freshman year at Vanderbilt in 2002, Jay Cutler set school records for touchdowns and rushing yards by a freshman quarterback. He was named to the Associated Press's freshman All-SEC team.
2004: Junior Season at Vanderbilt
As a junior in 2004, Cutler continued to excel, setting a Vanderbilt record for completion percentage (61.0%) while throwing for 1,844 yards and 10 touchdowns.
2005: SEC Offensive Player of the Year
Cutler had a standout senior year at Vanderbilt in 2005, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns. He led the Commodores to notable victories and was recognized as the SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
2005: Graduation from Vanderbilt
Jay Cutler graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in human and organizational development.
July 27, 2006: Signing with the Denver Broncos
On July 27, 2006, Cutler officially signed a six-year contract with the Denver Broncos, marking the beginning of his NFL career.
2006: Breakout Performance Against the Titans
During the 2006 season, Jay Cutler had a career-best performance against the Tennessee Titans, leading the Broncos to a 34-20 victory.
2006: Drafted by the Denver Broncos
In 2006, Cutler was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the NFL draft.
2006: Top Quarterback Prospect
Leading up to the 2006 NFL Draft, Cutler was considered one of the top quarterback prospects, drawing comparisons to players like Brett Favre for his strong arm and playing style.
2006: Strong Preseason Performance
Cutler's rookie preseason in 2006 was impressive, as he outperformed expectations and passed for more yards than any other rookie quarterback.
2007: Recognition as a Potential Elite Quarterback
By late 2007, Jay Cutler was being recognized by experts as a young quarterback with the potential to reach the elite level of quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
2007: First Full Season as Denver Broncos Starting Quarterback
In 2007, Jay Cutler began his first full season as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. He led the team to victory in the first two games with last-minute drives.
2007: Establishment of the Jay Cutler Foundation
Jay Cutler established the Jay Cutler Foundation during the 2007 offseason to support at-risk youth in overcoming challenges and completing high school.
2007: Participation in "Oprah's Big Give"
Jay Cutler, along with Tony Scheffler and Preston Parsons, participated in the filming of an episode of "Oprah's Big Give" in Denver in 2007.
March 9, 2008: Appearance on "Oprah's Big Give"
An episode of "Oprah's Big Give," featuring Jay Cutler, Tony Scheffler, and Preston Parsons, aired on ABC on March 9, 2008.
May 1, 2008: Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis
On May 1, 2008, Jay Cutler publicly announced his diagnosis with type 1 diabetes, sharing his need for daily insulin injections.
2008: Pro Bowl Selection
Jay Cutler was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2008 while playing for the Denver Broncos.
2008: Voted Offensive Captain
Prior to the start of the 2008 regular season, Jay Cutler and tight end Daniel Graham were chosen as offensive captains by their Broncos teammates.
2008: Off-season Training
In preparation for the 2008 season, Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, and Tony Scheffler traveled to Atlanta together for training and to improve their timing on the field.
April 3, 2009: Trade to the Chicago Bears
On April 3, 2009, Jay Cutler was traded to the Chicago Bears in exchange for quarterback Kyle Orton and draft picks.
2009: Career-Highs and Pro Bowl Selection
In 2009, Jay Cutler achieved career-high statistics in several passing categories, including passing yards, completions, and attempts, setting new single-season franchise records for the Broncos. He was also selected for the Pro Bowl.
2009: Strong Start Under New Coaching
In 2009, under the guidance of new head coach Marc Trestman, Jay Cutler got off to a strong start, maintaining a passer rating above 90 for three consecutive games, a feat he hadn't accomplished since 2009.
2009: "Touchdowns for Diabetes" Campaign
Jay Cutler partnered with Eli Lilly and Company in 2009 for the "Touchdowns For Diabetes" campaign, raising funds for the American Diabetes Association's camp scholarship program.
September 2010: Start of Relationship with Kristin Cavallari
Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari began dating in September 2010.
2010: NFC Championship Game Appearance
In 2010, Cutler led the Chicago Bears to the NFC Championship Game, marking a successful season for him.
2010: Contract Extension with the Bears
In 2010, Jay Cutler signed a contract extension with the Chicago Bears, extending his stay with the team.
April 2011: Engagement to Kristin Cavallari
Jay Cutler proposed to Kristin Cavallari in April 2011.
July 2011: Brief Breakup with Kristin Cavallari
Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari briefly called off their engagement in July 2011 but later reconciled.
2011: Season Cut Short by Injury
During the 2011 season, Jay Cutler experienced both highs and lows, including a promising start with strong performances in the first few games, but his season was ultimately cut short due to a thumb injury requiring surgery.
2011: "Cutty Come Back" Song Release
In 2011, following the Bears' five-game losing streak during Cutler's absence due to a thumb injury, Chicago recording artist Magic 1 released "Cutty Come Back," a parody of the song "Baby Come Back."
2011: Impressive Performance Despite Injuries
In 2015, Jay Cutler showcased his resilience and talent by delivering one of his most impressive seasons despite his receiving unit being hampered by injuries, achieving career-highs in passer rating and completion percentage. His 21 touchdowns were his second most since 2011.
2012: Diabetes Awareness Advocacy
Continuing his commitment to diabetes awareness, Jay Cutler visited Perspectives Charter School in Chicago in 2012 to speak about the condition.
2012: Political Support for Mitt Romney
Jay Cutler publicly expressed his support for Mitt Romney in the 2012 United States presidential election.
June 7, 2013: Marriage to Kristin Cavallari
Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari got married on June 7, 2013, in Nashville, Tennessee.
2013: Contract Extension with the Bears
In 2013, Jay Cutler signed a contract extension with the Chicago Bears, extending his stay with the team.
2013: Guest Appearance on "The League"
Jay Cutler and his then-wife, Kristin Cavallari, made a guest appearance on an episode of the comedy show "The League" in 2013.
January 2, 2014: Seven-Year Deal with the Bears
On January 2, 2014, Jay Cutler formalized a significant seven-year contract extension with the Chicago Bears, securing his future with the team through the 2020 NFL season.
2014: "Smokin' Jay Cutler" Meme and Aaron Rodgers' Gesture
The "Smokin' Jay Cutler" meme, featuring photoshopped images of Cutler with a cigarette, gained popularity. Cutler acknowledged the meme with amusement. Aaron Rodgers even referenced the meme during a game against the Bears in 2014.
2015: Impressive Performance Despite Injuries
In 2015, Jay Cutler showcased his resilience and talent by delivering one of his most impressive seasons despite his receiving unit being hampered by injuries, achieving career-highs in passer rating and completion percentage.
November 20, 2016: Jay Cutler's Season-Ending Injury
On November 20, 2016, Jay Cutler suffered a labrum injury in his throwing shoulder during a game against the New York Giants. This unfortunate event marked the end of his season.
2016: Adam Gase Becomes Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins
Adam Gase was hired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2016.
2016: Inducted into Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame
In 2016, Jay Cutler was honored for his collegiate athletic achievements by being inducted into the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame.
2016: Political Support for Donald Trump
Jay Cutler publicly supported Donald Trump in the 2016 United States presidential election.
March 9, 2017: Released by the Chicago Bears
On March 9, 2017, the Chicago Bears released Jay Cutler through a $2 million buyout clause, ending his tenure with the team.
May 2017: Retirement and Transition to Commentary
In May 2017, Jay Cutler announced his retirement from professional football. He then joined Fox Sports as a commentator, marking a new chapter in his career.
August 3, 2017: Return to Football with Miami Dolphins
Following a season-ending injury to Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the team reached out to the recently retired Jay Cutler.
2017: Miami Dolphins Season and Cutler's Performance
During the 2017 season, Cutler started 14 games for the Miami Dolphins, throwing for 2,666 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Despite receiving praise from teammates like Kenny Stills, the Dolphins finished with a 6-8 record and did not make the playoffs.
2018: Appearances on "Very Cavallari"
Jay Cutler began making regular appearances on the show "Very Cavallari" in 2018.
2019: Named one of the 100 Greatest Bears
In 2019, Jay Cutler was recognized for his contributions to the Chicago Bears by being named one of the franchise's 100 greatest players.
April 2020: Announcement of Divorce
In April 2020, Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari announced their decision to divorce, citing "growing apart" as the reason.
2020: Continued Support for Donald Trump
Jay Cutler maintained his support for Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election.
2020: End of Appearances on "Very Cavallari"
Jay Cutler's regular appearances on "Very Cavallari" concluded in 2020.
2020: Seven-Year Deal with the Bears
On January 2, 2014, Jay Cutler formalized a significant seven-year contract extension with the Chicago Bears, securing his future with the team through the 2020 NFL season.
2020: Social Media Post Regarding Voter Fraud
Following the 2020 United States presidential election, Jay Cutler shared and later deleted an Instagram post that appeared to question the legitimacy of Joe Biden's victory.
May 2021: Delay in Divorce Finalization
The finalization of Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari's divorce was delayed in May 2021 due to financial issues.
2021: Launch of CUTS and "Uncut" Podcast
Jay Cutler ventured into the business world in 2021, launching his meat subscription service, CUTS, followed by his podcast, "Uncut."
June 2022: Divorce Finalization
Reports in June 2022 indicated that Jay Cutler and Kristin Cavallari had finalized their divorce settlement.
2022: Other Franchise Records Held by Jay Cutler
As of 2022, Jay Cutler held additional Chicago Bears franchise records.
2022: Jay Cutler's Chicago Bears Franchise Records
As of 2022, Jay Cutler held at least 12 Chicago Bears franchise records.
2022: Establishment of Gratis Brewing and Other Ventures
In 2022, Jay Cutler expanded his entrepreneurial pursuits by founding Gratis Brewing in Nashville. He also became a founding partner in Outsider.com, a digital media and lifestyle company.
2023: Joining "Inside the NFL"
Jay Cutler became a panelist on the weekly highlight show "Inside the NFL" in 2023.
October 17, 2024: Arrest for DUI and Firearm Possession
On October 17, 2024, Jay Cutler was arrested in Franklin, Tennessee, on suspicion of driving under the influence and possessing a firearm while intoxicated.