Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler was arrested in Tennessee on Thursday night following a traffic accident and now faces four charges, according to a spokesperson from the Franklin Police Department.
The 41-year-old Cutler is charged with driving under the influence, possession of a handgun while under the influence, failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision, and implied consent violations.
Police responded to a minor traffic incident in downtown Franklin around 5 p.m. Thursday, where Cutler reportedly rear-ended another vehicle. According to the Franklin Police Department's statement, officers detected a strong smell of alcohol during their interaction with Cutler, who exhibited slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. He declined to perform field sobriety tests and was subsequently taken to a local hospital, where a blood sample was obtained under a warrant.
A search of Cutler's vehicle revealed two firearms, including a loaded pistol. He was booked into the Williamson County Jail shortly before 7 p.m. and held on a $5,000 bond, ultimately being released at 9:59 p.m.
Cutler was selected as the first-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2006, playing there until 2008. He was traded to the Chicago Bears during the 2009 draft and went on to play 102 games until the 2016 season, becoming the franchise's all-time leading passer with 23,443 yards and 154 touchdowns. His final season in the NFL was with the Miami Dolphins in 2017.