Former NFL quarterback's mugshot goes viral after being arrested for DUI and possession of handgun while intoxicated

Former NFL star Jay Culter's mugshot has gone viral after he was arrested in Tennessee on Thursday night (October 17).

The 41-year-old played in the league for 12 seasons after starting his career in 2006. He played for the Chicago Bears most prominently, as well as stints for the Miami Dolphins and the Denver Broncos.

Cutler was arrested in downtown Franklin and was charged with a DUI and illegal possession of a handgun while under the influence.

He faces two other charges after authorities say he rear-ended another vehicle.

Cutler was released the same night on a $5,000 bond a spokesperson from the Franklin Police Department told PEOPLE.

Jay Cutler played 12 seasons in the NFL before retiring in 2017 (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

His charges include: DUI (first offence), possession of a handgun while under the influence, implied consent and failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision.

Police say they responded to a 'minor traffic collision in downtown Franklin' shortly after 5 pm local time on Thursday evening.

Evidence at the scene suggested that Cutler 'rear-ended another vehicle,' authorities said, while officers at the scene 'noticed a strong odour of alcohol' on the former sportsman.

Franklin Police said: "Cutler was also slurring his words and had blood shot eyes. Cutler refused field sobriety tests and was taken to a local hospital where a blood sample was obtained through a blood search warrant."

Officers also found 'two firearms in his vehicle, including a loaded pistol,' the department says.

(Franklin Police Department)

As news of the incident broke, Cutler's mugshot has since gone viral on X, formerly Twitter, with people making some pretty savage comments.

A post about the story from WGN TV News has been viewed more than 500,000 times, while other accounts have reposted the mugshot photo.

One X user said: "Looking rough," as a second added: "Yikes. Bad look."

A third weighed in with: "To be fair Jay Cutler looked like this the entire 2014 season" as a fourth, making a football pun, said: "Another drive ending with a bad decision by Jay Cutler."

Cutler played 12 seasons in the NFL, throwing for 35,133 yards and 227 touchdowns for Denver, Chicago and Miami.

The Santa Claus, Indiana, was named among the 100 greatest Bears of All-Time in 2019. He announced his retirement from professional football after the 2017 season with the Dolphins.

He then went on to work for Fox Sports as a commentator.

Cutler was previously married to reality TV star Kristin Cavallari, but the pair announced their divorce in 2020.