Jay Cutler: 15 Fascinating Facts About the Intensely Private Chicago Bears QB

Jay Cutler has put the Chicago Bears one win away from reaching the Super Bowl.

Cutler's arm and the Bears' strong defense in the divisional round of the playoffs helped the Bears advance to the NFC title game, where they will be going up against bitter rival, the Green Bay Packers.

For as much as he's hated for his abrasive demeanor, Cutler has been a big reason for the Bears' success.

It's time to get to know the guy—he may just be misunderstood. He just might surprise you.

Here are 15 interesting facts about the Bears quarterback.

Born in Santa Claus, Indiana, Cutler spent his childhood rooting for one pro football team.

Guess which one?  Da Bears.

That's right, the Bears' franchise quarterback of today grew up possibly wishing he could play football for his favorite team someday.

Although he may not show it all the time, there's a lot of love for the Bears inside that tough shell.

Cutler has some hops, as he was quite the athlete as a youngster. 

During high school he starred as a football player in Lincoln City, Indiana, as well as excelling in basketball and baseball.

In fact, young Jay was first-team All-State as a senior in football and basketball.

If you take a look back at old footage of Cutler from his high school days he shows a lot of athleticism dunking the basketball (see 4:30 mark).

While at Vanderbilt, Cutler started all four years and set records in several categories at quarterback.

He also graduated with a degree in human and organizational development.

Too bad it didn't help him improve his people skills.

As much as he's ridiculed in the press for lacking charm and personality during interviews, Cutler has also been involved in community projects that rarely gets any attention.

Cutler has been involved as a volunteer, helping youngsters with developmental disabilities through a "Best Buddies" program with Vanderbilt.

Not many people know that Cutler was diagnosed with Type I diabetes in the 2008 season.

Cutler's diabetes requires him to take insulin shots every day.

Cutler may be criticized for not making eye contact at times, but he has done his share of good deeds.

While a member of the Denver Broncos, he once teamed up with Oprah Winfrey to donate some football memorabilia to young children.

A cartoon version of Cutler was featured on South Park; the episode was called "Guitar Queer-O."

After being questioned about cartoon cameo, Cutler told the press: "It was cool. I thought it was funny. They can make fun of me if they want to."

Like most guys, Jay sometimes like to kick back, relax, and enjoy a drink.

There's nothing wrong with that.

However, drinking has been known to make Jay sleepy.

Very sleepy.

So sleepy, he just can't keep his eyes open for photos.

If the Packers want to improve their chances of beating the Bears for the NFC title game, maybe they should think about spiking Jay's Gatorade with a little alcohol.

Maybe the press is just giving him a bad rep.

If he's a nice guy, he just doesn't like to show it in front of cameras.

But there's plenty of good in him: Cutler founded a nonprofit company back in 2007.

According to the website jaycutlersix.com:

"The Jay Cutler Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for underprivileged children and those suffering from diabetes. It is our belief that we are investing in their future as well as the future of the community itself."

There's another Jay Cutler that's somewhat famous. 

He's a big, bad bodybuilder and the current Mr. Olympia.

Imagine if the Bears' Cutler was that big. He'd be a hard man to take down for defenses.

That awkwardness with the media may be overrated.

OK, maybe not. 

He's been captured on television saying "you know" 57 times in one interview.

But that doesn't necessarily make him a bad person.

Cutler may be knocked for his lack of endorsements. 

But maybe it's just not his thing.

This magazine cover for Michigan Avenue, a Chicago publication, is enough proof that he's at least tried to do the Tom Brady thing and put his face on the cover of a local publication.

Cutler has sometimes been ridiculed for being standoffish with fans and supporters.

There's one fan he can't turn down.

Look at that, we found his weakness.

Cutler can't be mean to babies.

Call him whatever bad names you can think of.

He may be a jerk or just an overall hated personality.

But he does have a way with women.  Hot women.

Cutler was linked to Julia Allison, an popular Internet personality, back in 2009.

In fact, they were reportedly spotted at a Chicago club getting very cozy with one another.

From Internet celebrity Allison to reality television star Kristin Cavallari.

From the mess in Denver to the NFC title game with the Bears.

We know this about him: Cutler knows how to upgrade and put himself in a better situation.

His new girlfriend is a former MTV star on The Hills and looks great in a bikini.

Great pick, Jay.

She's definitely a great gal to be tossing your football off to.