Jay Cutler will stand on the sidelines during the Miami Dolphins' matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, forced there by cracked ribs and in the wake of constant criticism.
One thought will likely go through his head: "What am I doing here?"
In a parallel universe, one where Ryan Tannehill's "ticking time bomb" of a knee didn't explode, Cutler would have spent Thursday preparing for his next assignment in the warm, comfortable commentary booth - a place where his call-it-like-I-see-it personality would have been adored, not constantly dissected.
If you need proof of how quickly someone's reputation can flip and soar, just look at Tony Romo.
The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback was always likable, but his charm never really mattered on the field. All that mattered was the late-game interceptions and the failure to make - and win in - the playoffs.
Now, that's all forgotten. Romo is being universally praised for bringing a much-needed breath of fresh air into the booth, not to mention his ability to add a never-before-seen experience for fans by calling the plays before they happen.
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Yes, $15 million is a lot of money to turn down. But Cutler, even more than Romo, appeared done with the game of football when he hung up his cleats.
"I recently read a quote that struck a chord with me at the time. It was attributed to Henry Rollins (but with the internet these days, you can never be too sure who really said it)," Cutler said in his retirement statement in May. "I did that, I gave everything I had to give to that. Now, if I returned to that it would be repetition - it might be fun repetition, but it wouldn't be meaningful repetition."
The Dolphins aren't 4-2 because of Cutler; in fact, they've been successful in spite of him. Matt Moore will start in his place Thursday, and after the backup quarterback led a dramatic comeback in relief of Cutler in Week 7, there's a good chance he bolsters the argument that he should have been the man to replace Tannehill all along.
There are no winners in Cutler's return, except perhaps his bulging wallet.
The Dolphins almost certainly would have been better off. NFL fans would have another Romo in the booth; less polished, for sure, but with a lack of filter that would've made for must-see TV. And Cutler wouldn't have had to endure another year of unnecessary hits, debates about his demeanor, and criticism for his play following a career in which those things appeared to take their toll on the divisive signal-caller.
