Lawrence McCutcheon obit

Former Rams RB Lawrence McCutcheon dies at 76

 He was not on the list.

Former Rams running back Lawrence McCutcheon died Friday, the team announced. He was 76.

McCutcheon played eight seasons with the Rams (1972-79) and was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honoree.

“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 a 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.”

McCutcheon also played for Denver, Seattle and Buffalo, retiring after the 1981 season.

He finished his career with 1,521 carries for 6,578 yards and 26 touchdowns, adding 198 catches for 1,799 yards and 13 touchdowns. McCutcheon played 109 games with 82 starts.

“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. 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.

“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.”

A running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams from 1972 to 1980, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks in 1980, and 1981 with the Buffalo Bills, reuniting with former Rams head coach Chuck Knox. He played college football for Colorado State. In 1974, he played at mixed doubles tennis exhibition match in Clarement, California with Tracy Austin against Elgin Baylor and partner Lea Antonopolis.

Born and raised in Plainview, Texas, McCutcheon graduated from Plainview High School in 1968 and played college football at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, then a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

In Super Bowl XIV, McCutcheon threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Ron Smith, giving the Rams a 19–17 lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the Rams went on to lose the game, 31–19.

In 1977, McCutcheon was then rumoured to be in a relationship with the Supremes member Scherrie Payne. McCutcheon was promoted to director of player personnel of the Rams in May 2003, a role he held until 2016. His son Daylon McCutcheon played cornerback for the Cleveland Browns.

Career information

High school     Plainview (TX)

College            Colorado State Rams

NFL draft        1972: 3rd round, 70th overall pick

Career history

Los Angeles Rams (1972–1979)

Denver Broncos (1980)

Seattle Seahawks (1980)

Buffalo Bills (1981)

Awards and highlights

Second-team All-Pro (1974)

5× Pro Bowl (1973–1977)

Career NFL statistics

Rushing attempts         1,521

Rushing yards 6,578

Rushing touchdowns   26