Lawrence McCutcheon, former Los Angeles Rams running back and 5-time Pro Bowl star, has died at age 76, his family confirmed. McCutcheon played eight NFL seasons for the Rams, who selected him out of Colorado State in 1972.
His family, in a statement via the Rams, announced that McCutcheon died on Friday, October 23, 2026, following a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. The statement read, '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.'
Born in Plainview, Texas, McCutcheon became one of the most talented running backs of the 70s, earning Pro Bowl selections and leading the Rams in rushing each year from 1973 to 1977. Nicknamed 'Clutch,' he was a second-team AP All-Pro selection in 1974.
After eight seasons with the Rams, McCutcheon played for Denver, Seattle, and Buffalo across the 1980 and 1981 seasons before retiring. At the time of his retirement, he was the Rams' career rushing leader.
He later joined the Rams' front office, spending over three decades as director of player personnel until 2016, retiring shortly after the team relocated from St. Louis to Los Angeles. 'Clutch' appeared in 11 postseason games for the Rams. In the January 1980 Super Bowl, he threw a touchdown pass to Ron Smith to give the Rams an early lead before the Pittsburgh Steelers mounted a comeback to win.
McCutcheon is survived by his son, Daylon, who was a cornerback for the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2006.