Former Los Angeles Rams star Lawrence McCutcheon has died at the age of 76 following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
His family announced his passing on Friday through a statement released by the franchise, where McCutcheon spent four decades as both a player and executive.
The statement read: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Lawrence McCutcheon.
‘Clutch passed away on October 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.’
Former Los Angeles Rams running back Lawrence McCutcheon has died at the age of 76
Five-time Pro Bowl star McCutcheon (right) died after a battle with Parkinson’s disease
In their own statement, the franchise added: ‘The Los Angeles Rams are deeply saddened by the passing of Lawrence McCutcheon. 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.’
Selected by the Rams out of Colorado State in the third round of the 1972 NFL Draft, McCutcheon quickly developed into one of the league’s best running backs.
The Plainview, Texas, native spent eight seasons with the franchise, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1973 to 1977.
He led the franchise in rushing in those five seasons, highlighted by a 1974 campaign where he racked up 1,109 rushing yards and was named second-team AP All-Pro.
McCutcheon played in 11 postseason games for the Rams and delivered one of his most memorable moments at Super Bowl XIV.
During the January 1980 clash, he completed a 24-yard half-back touchdown pass to Ron Smith to give Los Angeles a third-quarter lead.
He left the Rams later that year and finished his 10-year playing career with stints for the Broncos, Seahawks and Bills before retiring after the 1981 campaign.
McCutcheon returned to the Rams organization in a scouting and administrative capacity, spending 32 years within the front office.
