Rams legend Lawrence McCutcheon dies at 76 after battle with Parkinson’s disease

Long before Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk and Todd Gurley became household names, Lawrence McCutcheon was the engine that powered the Los Angeles Rams through one of the most successful stretches in franchise history.

On Friday, the Rams lost one of their own.

McCutcheon, the five-time Pro Bowl running back who spent eight seasons wearing the horns before dedicating another 32 years to the organization’s front office, died Friday, Oct. 23, following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 76.

Known affectionately as “Clutch,” McCutcheon was surrounded by family when he passed away.

“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,” his family said in a statement.

A third-round pick out of Colorado State in 1972, McCutcheon blossomed under legendary head coach Chuck Knox, whose bruising, run-first philosophy earned him the nickname “Ground Chuck.”

With Hall of Fame offensive lineman Tom Mack clearing the way, McCutcheon became the centerpiece of an offense that helped transform the Rams into perennial contenders.

He rushed for more than 1,000 yards four times, earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1973-77 and helped Los Angeles reach the postseason in each of his final seven seasons with the franchise.

When McCutcheon departed, he was the Rams’ all-time leading rusher.

His final game in horns came on football’s biggest stage, Super Bowl XIV, where he delivered one last memorable moment: a 24-yard touchdown pass to Ron Smith on a trick play against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Rams ultimately lost 31-19, but McCutcheon’s place in franchise history was already secure.

After finishing his playing career with Denver, Seattle and Buffalo, he returned to the organization he helped build, spending more than three decades as a scout and personnel executive.

“His impact on this organization spanned generations, and he embodied what it means to be a Ram,” the Rams said in a statement. “His legacy is woven into the fabric of our team.”

McCutcheon wasn’t merely one of the greatest running backs in Rams history. He was a bridge between generations, helping shape the franchise long after his playing days ended.

His family has requested donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research in lieu of flowers.

On Thursday, it was announced that Faulk, another legendary Rams running back, had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

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