Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler has drawn fierce criticism online after posing alongside a wild animal he killed on a hunting trip in South Africa.

Cutler, who was arrested for driving under the influence and gun possession following a car crash last year, headed to the Eastern Cape city of Tyityaba to go hunting with a group of friends last week.

And on Sunday night the ex-Chicago Bears star, 42, sparked fury when he shared a pH๏τo on Instagram of a Sable Antelope he sH๏τ ᴅᴇᴀᴅ while out in the wilderness.

‘Kicked off the Africa hunt with a beauty. Sable down,’ he wrote as the caption.

A number of Cutler’s followers were left outraged by the sight of him smiling alongside the murdered animal, with one replying in the comments: ‘This is nothing to brag about.’

Another put: ‘Wow, Jay. You killed a wild animal in a place it’s rarely hunted and it had zero idea you were a threat. Suppeeerrrr impressive buddy.’

Ex-NFL quarterback Jay Cutler has drawn fierce criticism after posing with an animal he killed

Cutler spent eight years with the Chicago Bears and threw 154 touchdowns for the franchise

Read More Ex-NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya responds after being accused of cringeworthy lie

‘I went to Africa on a safari and saw the most incredible wildlife and never once thought about murdering them,’ said a third.

‘What a cruel “hobby” Jay. Shame on you for killing this beautiful animal. It breaks my heart,’ wrote a fourth.

While one user simply asked: ‘Why is this necessary’.

Cutler was best known for his time in Chicago – guiding them to an NFC Championship game appearance in 2010 and playing there for eight seasons.

He began his NFL career with the Denver Broncos after being drafted eleventh overall by the team and played in the Mile High City for three seasons before being traded to the Bears. 

The ex-Vanderbilt college star also played one season with the Miami Dolphins in 2017 before retiring from the sport.

Outside of the sports world, Cutler is best known for being married to reality television star Kristin Cavallari. 

He was jailed last year after he was stopped while allegedly driving intoxicated in Franklin

Cutler, 41, was jailed back in October 2024 after he was stopped while allegedly driving intoxicated with two firearms (including a loaded pistol) according to a police report that was seen by DailyMail.com.

He was also accused of trying to pay off the person he crashed into in order for them to not call the cops prior to his arrest for suspected DUI. 

Cutler allegedly offered the other driver $2,000 to not call the police, according to a police report reviewed by WGN in Chicago.

Police say they noticed a strong odor of alcohol during their conversation with Cutler, who reportedly had blood sH๏τ eyes and was slurring his words.