Jay Cutler's DUI arrest revealed in bodycam footage after denying alcohol consumption

Recently unveiled police body camera video from the DUI arrest of ex-Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler showed he first informed officers he hadn't consumed any alcohol.

Footage from police body cameras, acquired by TMZ, depicts Cutler, aged 42, interacting with law enforcement following a rear-end collision in his truck in Franklin, Tennessee, in 2024. Although he eventually confessed to having “a little bit” of alcohol, he declined to perform a field sobriety test. Consequently, an officer placed him in handcuffs and escorted him towards a police vehicle.

Cutler — father to three children with his former spouse Kristin Cavallari — seemed to comply readily with the officer, seating himself in the rear of the vehicle. Law enforcement informed TMZ that Cutler was transported to a medical facility for a blood test, revealing a blood-alcohol content of 0.23, almost three times the lawful threshold. He was subsequently processed into the Williamson County Jail that evening before being released on a $5,000 bond.

A police officer present at the incident later stated that he “detected a powerful scent of alcohol” emanating from the former Pro Bowler, as per a statement issued by the Franklin Police Department.

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“Cutler's speech was also slurred, and his eyes were bloodshot,” the official statement added. “He declined field sobriety evaluations and was transported to a nearby hospital, where a blood specimen was procured via a blood search warrant.”

Cutler faced arrest and charges including one count of misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI), possessing a firearm while impaired, violating implied consent statutes, and neglecting to operate a vehicle with due caution. He entered a guilty plea for the DUI offense in August, with prosecutors agreeing to dismiss the remaining three charges as part of a negotiated settlement.

A judge imposed a sentence of four days in custody, a $350 monetary penalty, and mandatory attendance at DUI education courses. Additionally, his driving privileges were suspended for a certain duration. Cutler finished his jail time in October and is currently serving a one-year probationary period.

Days after, on October 7, Cutler returned to his “Take it Outside” podcast, though he made no mention of the occurrence.

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Perry Lee, the individual whose vehicle was involved in the crash, has since initiated legal action against Cutler, asserting that Cutler was trailing his car too closely, neglected to keep a proper lookout, and failed to remain attentive. Lee further claimed that Cutler proposed a $2,000 payment post-accident in exchange for not contacting law enforcement.

“Cutler neglected to exercise reasonable and appropriate caution while operating his vehicle, thereby failing to prevent harm to other road users, including [Lee],” stated the legal filing, which Us Weekly acquired in September.

The legal complaint sought unspecified compensation, with Lee contending he suffered medical costs and additional expenditures, in addition to physical and emotional distress and a diminished quality of life.

“Our client, a veteran, sustained injuries in an automobile accident attributed to the alleged carelessness of the other driver,” Lee’s legal representatives, John Morgan and attorney Sydney Pierce, informed Us.

They further stated, “The injuries he sustained from the collision inflict constant discomfort and have degraded his overall well-being. We are pursuing equitable remedies for him to ensure he receives necessary treatment and can endeavor to progress with his life.”