What Is Jay Cutler’s Net Worth and Salary?
Retired American professional football quarterback Jay Cutler boasts a net worth of $30 million. Previously, his net worth was significantly higher, but it experienced a dramatic reduction due to his divorce from Kristin Cavallari.
Throughout his 12-season tenure in the NFL, Cutler made a name for himself as a crucial player for the Chicago Bears, although his presence often garnered mixed reviews from critics. After a brief retirement and a stint as a sportscaster, Jay returned to the NFL for a final season with the Miami Dolphins, ultimately retiring in 2017 due to health issues.
Early Life
Born on April 29, 1983, in Santa Claus, Indiana, Jay Christopher Cutler became the starting quarterback for his high school team for three consecutive years after enrolling in school in Indiana. His team enjoyed a stellar record during this period, finishing his senior year undefeated and clinching the 3A state championship.
During these years, he frequently played as a safety, amassing 19 tackles and establishing himself as a vital defensive player. In addition to football, Cutler showcased his skills on the basketball court and received accolades while playing shortstop in baseball. Growing up, he was a dedicated fan of the Chicago Bears, the team that would eventually draft him.
After completing high school, Jay attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. During his college football career, he started 45 games as a quarterback, setting a record for the position at the school. Cutler also scored the most touchdowns and rushing yards for a freshman in the institution’s history, playing through his college career without any injuries.
His last season at Vanderbilt was particularly noteworthy. After scoring 42 points against the top-ranked Florida Gators on their home turf—the highest points they had ever conceded—NFL analyst John Lynch praised Cutler’s accomplishments, noting he was working with “a bunch of future doctors and lawyers.” Additionally, Cutler balanced his athletic endeavors with academic commitments, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in human and organizational development.
Career
Jay Cutler launched his professional career in 2006 with the NFL Draft, where he was recognized as one of the standout quarterbacks eligible. Selected as the 11th overall pick in the first round by the Denver Broncos, he signed a lucrative six-year, $48 million contract that included $11 million in bonuses alone.
Initially serving as the Broncos’ backup quarterback, Cutler soon took over the starting role from Jake Plummer, beginning the season with an impressive 71-yard touchdown pass. His performances quickly sparked comparisons to elite quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
In 2009, Cutler requested a trade from the Broncos and joined the Chicago Bears, his childhood favorite team. He signed a two-year, $30 million contract shortly thereafter. His first season in Chicago was marked by ups and downs, including a significant injury in 2010. Despite ongoing injuries and inconsistent team performance, Cutler managed to secure a seven-year contract extension with the Bears in 2014.
However, by 2017, the Bears released Cutler through a $2 million buyout clause, as his inconsistent performances and injuries became too significant for the team to overlook. Shortly after, he announced his retirement from football to pursue a career as a commentator with Fox Sports. Nevertheless, in Augustof that year, when Ryan Tannehill suffered a serious injury, the Miami Dolphins found themselves unexpectedly without a quarterback.
In a bid to fill the void, the Dolphins reached out to Cutler, who subsequently signed a $10 million one-year contract with the team in desperate need. Despite facing various challenges such as concussions and cracked ribs, Jay performed commendably during his final season, notably outshining Tom Brady in a victory against the Patriots. After concluding the 2017 season, Cutler made the decision to retire for good.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Relationships
Beginning in 2010, Jay entered a relationship with Kristin Cavallari, known for her role in the reality series “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.” The following year, they got engaged, but in 2011, the couple called off their engagement, only to reconcile after a few months apart.
They tied the knot in 2013 and welcomed three children over the course of their marriage. In 2020, the couple announced their plans to divorce, with Cavallari stating that they had “grown apart.”
Salary, Contracts, and Career Earnings
During the 2014-2015 season, Jay Cutler stood out as the highest-paid quarterback in the league, earning a salary of $22.5 million. Overall, during his tenure with the Bears, Cutler accumulated $54 million in total salary payments, despite his team’s 12-23 record in the games he participated in. Throughout his NFL career, Jay’s salary earnings amounted to approximately $120 million.
Real Estate
In 2014, Kristin and Jay invested $4.25 million in an 11,000-square-foot mansion located in Lake Forest, Illinois. They sold this property in 2017 for $3.6 million, enduring a loss of nearly $600,000. In 2012, they bought a 20,000-square-foot mansion on 8.6 acres in Nashville, Tennessee, for $5.3 million. This home was initially listed for sale at $7.9 million in June 2019, but the couple later reduced the asking price to $5.75 million and further to $4.95 million by May 2020.
Eventually, in July 2020, the couple sold the Nashville residence, but again suffered a significant loss. They ended up selling it for just $3.7 million, representing a massive markdown from the initial listing price of $7.9 million in 2019. Notably, they had already separated by the time these transactions were occurring, suggesting they were likely attempting to liquidate their assets in light of their impending divorce.
After offloading their previous home, speculation arose about their next move. However, those questions were answered later in 2018 when Cutler and Cavallari purchased a $4.2 million, 35-acre “hobby farm” in the Nashville vicinity. The couple separated shortly after, leaving uncertainty about whether they ever lived together in the new 10,000-square-foot house.