Rams legend Lawrence McCutcheon dies at 76 of Parkinson's
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Five-time Pro Bowl Rams running back Lawrence McCutcheon died Oct 23 at 76 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
He was the franchise's career rushing leader when he left in 1980 and spent 32 more years in its front office.
Background
Lawrence McCutcheon, nicknamed "Clutch," was a five-time Pro Bowl running back for the Los Angeles Rams who later became a scout and the team's director of player personnel. The Rams drafted him out of Colorado State in the third round in 1972, and he led the team in rushing each year from 1973 to 1977 under coach Chuck Knox. He left the Rams in 1980 as their career rushing leader, and after stints with Denver, Seattle and Buffalo he returned to the organization in 1982, retiring in 2016 after 42 years with the team. His family announced the death through the Rams.
How it unfolded
- 1972The Rams drafted McCutcheon out of Colorado State in the third round, 70th overall.
- 1973 -1977He made five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and led the Rams in rushing each year in coach Chuck Knox's offense.
- 1975 playoffsHe carried 37 times for 202 yards in the Rams' 35-23 divisional round win over the Cardinals, setting franchise postseason records.
- January 1980In Super Bowl XIV he threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Ron Smith to put Los Angeles ahead, but the Pittsburgh Steelers rallied to win 31-19.
- 1980He left the Rams as their career rushing leader and went on to play for Denver and Seattle.
- 1981He played for Buffalo and retired after the season.
- 1982He rejoined the Rams as a scout.
- 2003 -2016He served as the St. Louis Rams' director of player personnel.
- Aug 18, 2016He retired after 42 years with the organization and 44 years in the NFL overall.
- Oct 23, 2026He died at age 76 with family at his bedside after a long battle with Parkinson's disease; the family announced the death through the Rams.
- Oct 25, 2026The Rams played a road game against the Raiders with the franchise in a somber mood.
Who’s saying what
- Family
- The family said he had "a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's disease" and that "Clutch earned the respect and admiration of teammates, opposing players, colleagues, and fans alike."
- Official
- The Los Angeles Rams said they were "deeply saddened" and that "his impact on this organization spanned generations, and he embodied what it means to be a Ram."