Lawrence McCutcheon, 5-time Pro Bowl running back for Los Angeles Rams, dies at 76

Los Angeles (AP) — Lawrence McCutcheon, a five-time Pro Bowl running back for the Los Angeles Rams who later enjoyed a successful career in the team's front office, passed away on Friday at the age of 76. The Rams released a statement confirming his death, noting that McCutcheon had "a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's disease."

McCutcheon's family released the announcement through the Rams organization. Born in Plainview, Texas, McCutcheon was drafted by the Rams out of Colorado State University in 1972 and played his first eight NFL seasons with the team. He quickly became one of the most dynamic running backs of the 1970s and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1974.

McCutcheon led the Rams in rushing each year from 1973 to 1977, earning a second-team AP All-Pro selection in 1974. He played in 11 postseason games for the Rams and even threw a touchdown pass in Super Bowl XIV in 1980. McCutcheon was the Rams' career rushing leader before leaving the team in 1980 to play for the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and Buffalo Bills over two seasons.

After concluding his playing career, McCutcheon joined the Rams' front office and spent more than three decades in the organization, eventually serving as the St. Louis Rams' director of player personnel from 2003 until his retirement in 2016. McCutcheon's family praised his tenacity and impact on and off the field, stating that "Clutch will be missed and remembered forever."