players_bio
Lawrence McCutcheon, a five-time Pro Bowl running back for the Los Angeles Rams who later enjoyed a lengthy career in the team's front office, passed away on Friday at the age of 76.
The McCutcheon family announced his death through the Rams, revealing in a statement that he had waged a long and courageous fight against Parkinson's disease.
Drafted by the Rams out of Colorado State in 1972, McCutcheon spent his first eight NFL seasons with the franchise. A native of Plainview, Texas, he quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying running backs of the 1970s, earning a Pro Bowl selection and leading the Rams in rushing each year from 1973 to 1977 under coach Chuck Knox's high-powered offense.
Nicknamed "Clutch," McCutcheon was a second-team AP All-Pro selection in 1974. He appeared in 11 postseason games for the Rams, and in Super Bowl XIV in January 1980, he even threw a touchdown pass to Ron Smith to give Los Angeles a lead before the Pittsburgh Steelers rallied to win the championship.
When McCutcheon departed the Rams in 1980, he held the franchise's career rushing record. After brief stints with the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and Buffalo Bills over two seasons, he transitioned to a front-office role with the Rams, ultimately spending more than three decades with the organization.
He rose to become the St. Louis Rams' director of player personnel from 2003 until his retirement in 2016, shortly before the team relocated back to Los Angeles.
In a statement, McCutcheon's family said that 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."
McCutcheon's son, Daylon, was a cornerback for the Rams.
Originally reported by players_bio.