Longtime Rams RB, executive Lawrence McCutcheon remembered after death at 76

Lawrence McCutcheon, the former NFL running back most known for his time with the Los Angeles Rams, died on Friday, Oct. 23. He was 76.

McCutcheon’s family released a statement via the Rams announcing his death after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Lawrence McCutcheon,” the McCutcheon family said in the statement. “Clutch passed away on Oct. 23 with family at his bedside following a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

“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. Clutch will be missed and remembered forever.

“We are thankful to those in our community who have reached out with love and support. In lieu of flowers, we ask that those wishing to honor Clutch please donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research.”

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Lawrence McCutcheon’s NFL career

McCutcheon played 10 years in the NFL – eight of them with the Rams, between 1972 and 1979. During his tenure in Los Angeles, the running back was named to five straight Pro Bowls from 1973 to 1977. McCutcheon also earned a second-team All-Pro nod in 1974.

In 1973 and 1974, McCutcheon rushed for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons, making him the first Rams running back to accomplish the feat. He did it again over the 1976 and 1977 seasons and ended his time in Los Angeles as the franchise’s all-time leading rusher.

One of McCutcheon’s most notable contributions to NFL and Rams history was his go-ahead touchdown pass to Ron Smith in Super Bowl 14. It was the first Super Bowl touchdown pass in Rams history, and it made McCutcheon the second non-quarterback to throw a touchdown pass in Super Bowl history. To date, he is one of only six non-quarterbacks with a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl.

After his Rams tenure, McCutcheon played for the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills. He retired after the 1981 season.

McCutcheon re-joined the Rams as a scout after his playing career and rose to the team’s director of player personnel position in 2003. He retired from his front office position in 2016.

“The Los Angeles Rams are deeply saddened by the passing of Lawrence McCutcheon,” the team said in a statement. “His impact on this organization spanned generations, and he embodied what it means to be a Ram. … His legacy is woven into the fabric of our team.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the McCutcheon family as we celebrate a life that gave so much to the Rams and to our game.”

The Rams are saddened by the passing of Rams Legend Lawrence McCutcheon. Our sincere condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time. https://t.co/xmoxM7Yaam

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 23, 2026