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 propelled the Los Angeles Rams through one of the most successful periods in franchise history.

On Friday, the Rams lost one of their own.

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

Affectionately known as “Clutch,” McCutcheon was surrounded by his family when he passed away.

“Over the course of a decade-long playing career and 32 additional years in the Rams front office, Clutch earned the respect and admiration of his teammates, opposing players, colleagues and fans,” his family said in a statement.

A third-round draft pick out of Colorado State in 1972, McCutcheon flourished 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 leading the way, McCutcheon became the centerpiece of an offense that helped turn the Rams into perennial contenders.

He rushed for more than 1,000 yards four times, earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1973 to 1977 and helped Los Angeles reach the playoffs in each of his final seven seasons with the franchise.

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

His final game in horns took place on football’s biggest stage, Super Bowl XIV, where he delivered one final 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 assured.

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

“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 just one of the greatest running backs in Rams history. He was a bridge between generations, helping to 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.

Download the California Post app, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletters