Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler surprised many by having a breakout campaign in 2015. The much maligned quarterback, whose sideline demeanor has ignited the meme factory to produce gems of comedy, credits couples therapy as one of the keys to his success this season.
Speaking in a relaxed interview with David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune, Cutler credited Gloria Balague, the Bears’ sports psychologist, for helping him cope with the pressures that come from being an NFL quarterback and a husband.
“We have somebody on staff here. Kristin and I have done couples therapy also. I’ve never met with a quarterback guy or any (mental coach) in that regard. But just couples therapy and meeting with Gloria (Balague), who’s our in-house sports psychologist, you start getting insight on some things. You start seeing things differently. That definitely has helped me deal with stuff.”
Cutler has been best known for his penchant for looking completely disinterested on the sidelines after said mistakes. He’s happy to say he’s moving on from that stage in life.
“I’m more thankful I’ve gotten to that point. I’m not surprised. You look at your 2006 self when (I) came into the league and it’s a drastic change. But if you’re not trying to get better in certain aspects of your life, you’re just going to stay the same. I think we can all improve. Things at home, things in your life away from work, if they’re not in order, it’s definitely going to affect your professional business.”
In addition to his don’t-care attitude, which appears to be gone, Cutler has been known for giving the ball away to his opponents. This year, however, he cut his turnovers down significantly, and until the final weekend of play didn’t have a single multi-turnover game. All in all, the quarterback finished with 3,659 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
A guy who many believed could be traded away as the Bears continue to remold the roster is now suddenly being viewed once more as a potential centerpiece for years to come — a fortuitous development, considering he’s still owed $93.7 million the next five years.
After the season general manager Ryan Pace made it clear the Bears intend to continue building around Cutler.
Couples therapy may not be the answer for everyone, but for Cutler it has apparently made all the difference in the world.