Lawrence McCutcheon, Rams Running Back, Dies at 76

LOS ANGELES — Lawrence McCutcheon, a five-time Pro Bowl running back who went on to a long career in the Los Angeles Rams’ front office, died Friday. He was 76.

The family announced McCutcheon’s death through the Rams. In a statement, they said McCutcheon had "a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease."

The passing marked the end of a remarkable chapter in Rams history and brought a formal tribute from a franchise that had known McCutcheon as both an athlete and an executive.

Lawrence McCutcheon’s Final Battle and Untimely Death

McCutcheon played his first eight NFL seasons for the Rams, who drafted him out of Colorado State in 1972. The native of Plainview, Texas, quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic running backs of the 1970s, earning a Pro Bowl selection and leading the Rams in rushing each year from 1973 to 1977 in coach Chuck Knox’s productive offense.

McCutcheon, nicknamed "Clutch," was a second-team AP All-Pro selection in 1974. He appeared in 11 postseason games for the Rams, and in the Super Bowl in January 1980, he even threw a touchdown pass to Ron Smith to put Los Angeles ahead before the Pittsburgh Steelers rallied to win the championship.

McCutcheon was the Rams’ career rushing leader when he left in 1980. After he finished his playing career with stops in Denver, Seattle and Buffalo over two seasons, McCutcheon became an executive for the Rams, eventually spending more than three decades in their front office.

A Dynamic Running Back for the Rams

McCutcheon’s nickname, "Clutch," reflected a running style that combined toughness with late-game resolve. His production helped define the Rams’ offense during a run that included multiple division titles and a Super Bowl appearance.

He was selected to five Pro Bowls during his career and finished as the Rams’ career rushing leader. His 1974 second-team All-Pro recognition placed him among the elite backs of his era.

From Playing Career to Rams Front Office

After his playing days, McCutcheon moved into the Rams’ front office and rose to become the St. Louis Rams’ director of player personnel from 2003 until his retirement in 2016, shortly before the team moved home to Los Angeles from St. Louis.

He had spent more than three decades with the organization. His son, Daylon, was a cornerback for the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2006, and McCutcheon’s grandson, Dyson, is a defensive back at Middle Tennessee.

Family Statement and Parkinson’s Disease Context

In a statement, McCutcheon’s family said:

"Through a decade-long playing career and another 32 years in the Rams’ front office, Clutch earned the respect and admiration of teammates, opposing players, colleagues and fans alike."

The family added that McCutcheon "will be missed and remembered forever."

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and coordination, and McCutcheon’s family described his illness as long and courageous.

What Lawrence McCutcheon’s Legacy Means for the Rams

The Rams did not issue a further public statement in the provided information, but the team’s official channels were used by McCutcheon’s family to announce his death.

McCutcheon’s legacy includes his on-field production, his role in Rams history, and his decades-long relationship with the organization that spanned both its St. Louis and Los Angeles eras.

For Rams fans, his death marked the passing of a player who was not only a Pro Bowl back but also a front-office leader who helped shape the team over three decades.

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