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Jay Cutler Doesn't Have A Starting Job, But He's A Comic Book Hero Now

(CBS) Bears quarterback Jay Cutler lost his starting job Wednesday, when he was reportedly informed that Jimmy Clausen will start Sunday's game against the Lions. It's quite the demotion, given that Cutler inked a new seven-year deal worth up to $126 million last January, with $54 million guaranteed.

While Clausen may not prove to be any better, you can't argue that Cutler's benching was uncalled for -- he leads the NFL with 24 turnovers and has been maddeningly inconsistent. He's essentially been power-less to stop the Bears' downward spiral.

Which makes this of the greatest irony: Cutler is now a comic book hero.

Really. Jay Cutler was gifted with the honorary title in Athlitacomics' new Sports Heroes series, which in its own words will "showcase the extraordinary capabilities of top athletes in a unique and impressive way." It was just announced earlier this week, when Cutler still had his starting job.

In addition to Cutler being one of the stars of the comic book series, there's Cutler merchandise that portrays him as a hero.

What a shirt.

Screen shot 2014-12-18 at 1.39.58 PM

It should be noted that former Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije was the one who launched the Sports Heroes property -- with the plan presumably created before the Bears' poor season.

Cutler is a hero along with the likes of Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. Last we checked, they all have their starting jobs, though.

Read more about Idonije's comic series and merchandise at AthlitaStore.com.

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