“I Wanted to Quit at 30”: Now a Millionaire, 4-Time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler Almost Gave up on His Career Once Owing to Lack of Money

Jay Cutler’s road to success in bodybuilding was not an easy one. Throughout his quest to win the Mr.Olympia trophy, the mass monster legend experienced both highs and lows. Cutler had already won titles for teenagers by the age of 18. But fame wouldn’t arrive until 2006 when he ousted eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman.

It’s not every day that you hear Jay Cutler revealing the challenges he faced in his early bodybuilding career. In the recent 93rd episode of his podcast, Cutler Cast, Cutler sat down with bodybuilding legends Milos Sarcev and Matt, unveiling facets of his journey many were unaware of.

Jay Cutler almost contemplated leaving the sport

From the early age of 18, Jay Cutler envisioned making a living from bodybuilding. He talked about how he thought in the beginning, “I’m going to make a living at this, this is going to be it. I’ll be a pro and compete until I’m 40 years old.” However, life and career plans don’t always flow in a straight line. “Halfway through, I said I wanted to quit at 30,” Cutler revealed. By his own admission, halfway through his journey, Cutler contemplated quitting the sport by the age of 30.

Aspiring bodybuilders often perceive the sport as a gateway to fame and fortune. However, the harsh reality can sometimes paint a different picture. Transitioning into the struggles faced by many in the industry, Cutler highlighted that his most significant financial gains occurred after the age of 30.

Milos Sarcev, a top 10 bodybuilder at Mr. Olympia, provided further perspective into the world of professional bodybuilding. When queried about his paid career’s duration, Sarcev responded, “I competed from ’85, turned Pro in ’91, and quit in 2003.” Transitioning from the logistics of his career to the deeper motivations behind it, Sarcev’s perspective brings into focus the age-old debate of passion versus financial gain.

The love for bodybuilding vs. the lure of money

He emphasized the passion and love for bodybuilding, rather than money, as his primary motivation. “I didn’t choose my occupation in the sport thinking about money; I just loved bodybuilding,” Sarcev asserted.

Read more: Posing besides Ronnie Coleman, Bodybuilding Beast Jay Cutler Takes a Trip down Memory Lane from Their On-Stage Rivalry Days

However, there’s no denying the financial lure that accompanies success in the industry. Acknowledging the shift in dynamics, Cutler playfully nudged Sarcev, “I’m sure at some point you were like damn, I’m making a lot of money, right?” Sarcev didn’t shy away, admitting he made a “decent living” from the sport.

Today, as a millionaire and a celebrated figure in the bodybuilding world, Jay Cutler’s story offers more than just training tips. It’s a narrative about overcoming obstacles, redefining success, and understanding that sometimes, the greatest triumphs come after the most significant doubts.

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