Former Rams running back Lawrence McCutcheon has died at 76, the team announced Friday.
McCutcheon was one of the defining backs of the Rams’ 1970s run, spending eight seasons in Los Angeles from 1972 through 1979. During that stretch, he made five Pro Bowls and earned second-team All-Pro honors.
The Rams said his influence on the organization lasted well beyond his playing days. After his career ended, McCutcheon spent another 32 years in the team’s front office as a scout and director of player personnel.
In a statement, the team said, “His impact on this organization spanned generations, and he embodied what it means to be a Ram. A five-time Pro Bowl running back and once the franchise’s all-time leading rusher, he later served in our front office as a scout and director of player personnel.
His legacy is woven into the fabric of our team.”
McCutcheon’s family said he died on Oct. 23 with relatives at his bedside after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Their statement described him as “our husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,” and added, “Clutch will be missed and remembered forever.”
They also asked those wishing to honor him to donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research instead of sending flowers.
McCutcheon’s pro career included stops in Denver, Seattle and Buffalo before he retired after the 1981 season. In all, he finished with 1,521 carries for 6,578 yards and 26 touchdowns, plus 198 receptions for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns. He played in 109 games and made 82 starts.
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