March 25, 2016
Cutler HOF Induction Ceremony | Cutler Highlights | Cutler Interview | 
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Jay Cutler made quite a return to campus Friday as he was inducted into the Vanderbilt Athletic Hall of Fame in a special halftime ceremony of the Black and Gold Spring Game.
The former All-SEC quarterback and current member of the Chicago Bears was joined on the field by athletics director David Williams, current head coach Derek Mason and former head coach Bobby Johnson. Additionally, Cutler was surrounded on the field by eight of his former teammates and closest friends.
“I’ve been blessed and privileged to play a lot of football, but always coming back here with the fans and the Vanderbilt community, it means a lot to me,” Cutler said. “It puts a smile on my face and I owe a lot to everybody at this university and you guys as fans. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
Cutler was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 before being selected 11th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. He holds school records in total offense, touchdown passes, passing yards, pass completions and combined touchdowns.
“On behalf of Commodores everywhere, congratulations and welcome to the hall of fame,” Williams said after placing a medallion around Cutler’s neck and presenting him with a trophy.
Johnson was the first to speak and he thanked Cutler for all he has did while he was head coach.
“Jay was more than a quarterback; he was a great leader for us,” Johnson said. “He was tough as nails and he played that way … and he was a great competitor.”
Cutler is a member of the 2015 Hall of Fame Class, but cannot attend the official induction ceremonies in September due to obligations with the Bears. The hall of fame ceremony originally scheduled for January had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather.
