The Los Angeles Rams franchise started in 1936 in Cleveland and has had many stars at the running back position, including current starter Kyren Williams and Lawrence McCutcheon, who left the franchise as its all-time leading rusher and was eventually surpassed by Eric Dickerson. McCutcheon passed away at the age of 76 on Friday, October 23, causing a somber mood to envelop the Rams franchise ahead of October 25's road game against the Raiders.
McCutcheon finished his Rams career with 6,186 rushing yards, which now ranks fourth behind Steven Jackson, Dickerson and Marshall Faulk. McCutcheon went by his nickname ‘Clutch' according to a statement released by his family and touched many lives during his time with the Rams franchise.
“The Rams are saddened by the passing of Rams Legend Lawrence McCutcheon,” Los Angeles wrote on its X account. “Our sincere condolences are with his family and friends during this time.”
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our husband, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather,” the family's statement read. McCutcheon died at his bedside following a “long, courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.”
The family asked for donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease following his death.
Article Continues BelowMcCutcheon played in Super Bowl XIV with the Rams against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a game Los Angeles lost, 31-19. He threw a 24-yard halfback option pass to Ron Smith in that game, giving LA a 19-17 second-half lead.
He played collegiately with the Colorado State Rams and became the first in his school's history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. McCutcheon was selected with the 70th overall pick of the 1972 NFL Draft, before going to an impressive career with the Rams that will be remembered for generations to come.