Jay Cutler's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 4, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Jay Cutler. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1954: Otto Graham's Accomplishment

In Jay Cutler's playoff debut, he became only the second quarterback in NFL history since Otto Graham in 1954 to score two touchdown passes and two touchdown runs in a playoff game.

1955: Otto Graham's Accomplishment

In Jay Cutler's playoff debut, he became only the second quarterback in NFL history since Otto Graham in 1955 to score two touchdown passes and two touchdown runs in a playoff game.

1967: Last Commodore to win SEC Offensive Player of the Year before Cutler

In 1967, before Jay Cutler won the award in 2005, it marked the last time a Vanderbilt Commodore had been named SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

1970: NFL Rookie Records

Since 1970, Cutler posted the second-highest touchdown percentage (6.6) and third-highest TD-to-INT ratio (1.8) among NFL rookies with at least 125 passing attempts.

1983: Elway's Rookie Record

In 1983, it was the last time there was a QB with a higher rookie record than Jay Cutler. Cutler had a QB rating of 101.7, the highest for a Broncos' rookie since John Elway.

1995: Last Broncos QB Before Cutler to Throw Two 40+ Yard Touchdowns

In a MNF game, Cutler became the first Broncos quarterback since Elway in 1995 to throw two 40+ yard touchdowns in a game (of the team's franchise-record four 40+ yard touchdowns that night).

2002: Set School Records as Freshman

In 2002, Jay Cutler set school records for touchdowns and rushing yards by a freshman at Vanderbilt, and he rushed for more yards than any other Southeastern Conference quarterback that year.

2004: Record Completion Percentage

In 2004, as a junior, Jay Cutler completed 61.0 percent of his passes, setting a school record, while throwing for 1,844 yards with 10 touchdowns and a career-low five interceptions.

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.

2006: NFL Scouting Combine

At the 2006 NFL Scouting Combine, Jay Cutler showcased his physical abilities, completing 23 repetitions of a 225-pound bench press and running a 40-yard dash in 4.77 seconds.

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.

2006: Promotion on Depth Chart

In 2006, after a strong training camp, Jay Cutler was promoted to second on the Denver Broncos' quarterback depth chart.

2008: Named Offensive Captain

Before the 2008 regular season, Jay Cutler and Daniel Graham were voted offensive captains by their Broncos teammates.

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.

2009: Selected as Pro Bowl Reserve

In 2009, Jay Cutler was officially selected as a reserve for the Pro Bowl after finishing third in fan voting for AFC quarterbacks.

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.

2011: Touchdown record

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

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.

2016: Inducted into Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame

In 2016, Jay Cutler was inducted into the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the university's sports program.