Jay Cutler is well aware of his new-found fans after an eight-season run under center in Chicago.
During a recent interview on Barstool Sports’ “Red Line Radio” podcast, the former Bears quarterback-turned-breakout reality star said it’s “bizarre” how his likability has evolved in the Windy City, as fans used to bemoan the 38-year-old’s inconsistent play and emotionless demeanor.
“I got the s–t kicked out of me for eight years there, so it’s like, ‘Come on, guys, like, nothing’s changed,’” Cutler said. “I guess it’s good to be appreciated now, I wish I could have maybe been more appreciated…”
When asked, “does it piss you off,” over the newfound adoration, Cutler quipped, “Yeah, it kind of does.”
The 11th-overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, Cutler spent three seasons with the Denver Broncos before he was traded to the Bears in 2009. He was released by the Bears in 2017, the same year the team drafted quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who has since joined the Buffalo Bills.
Cutler wrapped his NFL career at the end of the 2017 season following a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. He was originally slated to join Fox as an NFL commentator.
“If it wasn’t for Adam [Gase] being down there and I think Kristin [Cavallari] was like, ‘Hey, you need to take this job,’ I mean, I still kind of wanted to play,” Cutler said.
The Cutler resurgence, however, began in 2018 when he starred alongside his now-estranged wife in the E! reality series, “Very Cavallari.”
Cavallari, 34, who shares three children with Cutler, confirmed in May 2020 that the show would end amid the couple’s divorce.
Recently, Cutler teamed with butcher Pat LaFrieda on “CUTS,” monthly subscription boxes of fresh protein.