Jay Cutler's journey in professional football began when he was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. As a quarterback, Cutler quickly demonstrated his potential on the field with a strong arm and the ability to make deep throws. During his rookie season, he took over as the starting quarterback for the Broncos, replacing Jake Plummer in the latter part of the season. Cutler's early performances showed promise, and he became the full-time starter for Denver in the 2007 season.
In Denver, Cutler's career was marked by both impressive statistics and challenges. He threw for over 3,000 yards in each of his first two full seasons as a starter and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2008. However, the Broncos struggled to find consistent success as a team, and Cutler's tenure in Denver came to an end following a coaching change. In 2009, he was traded to the Chicago Bears, a move that would define the next chapter of his career.
Cutler's time with the Bears was characterized by both highs and lows. He became the franchise's all-time leader in several passing categories, including passing yards and touchdowns. His strong arm and ability to extend plays made him a valuable asset for the Bears' offense. In 2010, Cutler led the team to an NFC North title and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game, where they fell to the Green Bay Packers. Despite his individual talents, Cutler often faced criticism for his decision-making and inconsistency on the field.
Injuries also played a role in Cutler's career, as he dealt with various ailments that caused him to miss games throughout his time in Chicago. Despite these setbacks, he remained the Bears' starting quarterback for eight seasons, a testament to his abilities and the team's reliance on him as their leader on offense.
After his release from the Bears in 2017, Cutler briefly retired and was set to join the broadcasting world. However, he returned to the NFL later that year, signing a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. His stint with the Dolphins was short-lived, as he played only one season before retiring from professional football for good.
Throughout his career, Cutler was known for his strong arm and ability to make big plays, but he also faced criticism for his demeanor and decision-making on the field.
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