Lawrence McCutcheon, the Los Angeles Rams running back known as Clutch, has died at 76. The five-time Pro Bowler led the Rams in rushing for five straight seasons, threw a Super Bowl touchdown pass.
Lawrence McCutcheon, the Los Angeles Rams running back who earned the nickname Clutch, died Friday at 76. His family said Parkinson’s disease took him after a long fight. McCutcheon carried the ball for the Rams through the 1970s, made five Pro Bowls, and later spent more than three decades helping build the team from the front office. He even threw a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl. News of his death arrives as the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team that beat his Rams that day, prepare to play the New Orleans Saints this weekend in Saint-Denis.
How Lawrence McCutcheon Became The Los Angeles Rams Running Back Fans Called Clutch
The Rams drafted McCutcheon out of Colorado State in 1972. The Plainview, Texas, native did not need long to stand out. From 1973 to 1977, he led the team in rushing every single season. Coach Chuck Knox ran a productive offense, and McCutcheon sat at the heart of it. The Associated Press named him a second-team All-Pro in 1974.
The Rams are saddened by the passing of Rams Legend Lawrence McCutcheon. Our sincere condolences are with his family and friends during this difficult time. https://t.co/xmoxM7Yaam
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) October 23, 2026
His biggest stage came in January 1980. In the Super Bowl, the running back turned passer and found Ron Smith for a touchdown that put Los Angeles ahead. The Pittsburgh Steelers rallied to win the title. Still, a trick play like that says something about a man. Teammates trusted him with the ball, and coaches trusted him with the moment.
McCutcheon left the Rams in 1980 as their career rushing leader. He then played two more seasons with Denver, Seattle and Buffalo.
