Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler is charged with drunk driving and weapons possession

Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler was arrested Thursday night in Tennessee after a traffic accident and faces four charges, a Franklin (Tenn.) police spokesman confirmed to ESPN.

Cutler, 41, was charged with driving under the influence, possession of a handgun under the influence, failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision and implied consent.

According to a release from the Franklin Police Department, officers responded to a minor traffic accident in downtown Franklin on Thursday around 5 p.m. The police investigation indicates that Cutler struck another vehicle from behind.

“During their conversation with Cutler, officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol,” the release said. “Cutler also had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Cutler refused a field sobriety test and was taken to a local hospital where a blood sample was collected via a blood search warrant.”

A police search of Cutler's vehicle revealed he had two firearms, including a loaded handgun.

Cutler was being held at the Williamson County Jail shortly before 7 p.m. on a $5,000 bond. He was released that same evening at 9:59 p.m.

Cutler was a first-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2006, where he played until 2008. He was traded to the Chicago Bears during the 2009 draft and played 102 games during the 2016 season. He is the franchise's all-time leading passer with 23,443 yards and 154 touchdowns. He played his last season with the Miami Dolphins in 2017.