Lawrence McCutcheon, the former Los Angeles Rams running back who earned five Pro Bowl selections before spending more than three decades in the franchise’s front office, passed away on Friday, Oct 23. He was 76.
McCutcheon’s family confirmed his death in a statement released through the Rams, saying he died with relatives at his bedside following a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Known by the nickname “Clutch,” McCutcheon was one of the Rams’ leading offensive players during the 1970s. His association with the franchise extended well beyond his playing career, as he later became a scout and senior personnel executive.
A native of Plainview, Texas, McCutcheon played college football at Colorado State before the Rams selected him in the 1972 NFL Draft.
He spent his first eight NFL seasons with Los Angeles, from 1972 through 1979. Under head coach Chuck Knox, McCutcheon became a central figure in the team’s rushing attack, leading the Rams in rushing yards for five consecutive seasons from 1973 to 1977.
His performances earned him five Pro Bowl appearances and second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors in 1974.
McCutcheon also contributed to the Rams’ postseason success, appearing in 11 playoff games during his time with the franchise.
One of his most memorable moments came in Super Bowl XIV in January 1980, when he threw a touchdown pass to Ron Smith against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The play gave Los Angeles the lead, although Pittsburgh eventually recovered to win the championship.
McCutcheon was the Rams’ all-time leading rusher when he left the franchise in 1980.
He subsequently played for the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills before retiring after the 1981 season.
Across his NFL career, McCutcheon recorded 6,578 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns on 1,521 carries. He also caught 198 passes for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns.
His career included 109 regular-season appearances, with 82 starts.
While those achievements established his reputation as an NFL running back, McCutcheon’s second career kept him closely connected to the Rams for another generation.
After retiring as a player, he joined the organization’s personnel operations and eventually became director of player personnel in 2003, when the franchise was based in St. Louis.
He held that position until retiring in 2016, shortly before the Rams relocated to Los Angeles.
In total, McCutcheon spent 32 years working in the team’s front office, contributing to the organization long after his final appearance on the field.
The Rams acknowledged both chapters of his career in a statement following his death.
“His impact on this organization spanned generations, and he embodied what it means to be a Ram,” the team said.
The franchise also recognized his accomplishments as a five-time Pro Bowl running back and his subsequent work in scouting and player personnel.
“His legacy is woven into the fabric of our team,” the Rams added.
McCutcheon’s family similarly reflected on the relationships he developed throughout his years in professional football.
“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 said.
“Clutch will be missed and remembered forever.”
His connection to professional football also continued through his family. His son, Daylon McCutcheon, played cornerback for the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2006, while his grandson, Dyson McCutcheon, is a defensive back at Middle Tennessee.
In announcing his death, the family thanked those who had offered condolences and support. It also requested donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research instead of flowers.
McCutcheon’s passing marks the loss of a former Rams star whose contribution to the franchise extended from his achievements on the field in the 1970s to decades of work helping shape its football personnel operations.
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