One of the best running backs in Colorado State history has died.
Lawrence McCutcheon has died at the age of 76, his family announced on Oct. 23.
"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," McCutcheon's family said in a statement posted on the Los Angeles Rams website. "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."
McCutcheon was a superstar for the Rams, leaving as the leading rusher in program history in 1971. He's in CSU's Hall of Fame and has been inducted into the Ring of Honor.
McCutcheon played for CSU 1969-71, racking up 2,917 rush yards in 649 attempts. He was the first Ram to have a 1,000-yard rushing season. More than 50 years later, he still sits sixth in CSU's all-time rushing yards list. He still ranks fourth at CSU in career receptions for a back (67) and his 486 receiving yards in a season remains the program record.
He was picked by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round (No. 70 overall) of the 1972 NFL draft.
McCutcheon played the first eight of his 10 NFL seasons with the Rams and was selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1973-77, notching more than 1,000 yards in four of those seasons. His 37 carries for 202 yards in a 1975 playoff win over the Cardinals set playoff records for the franchise.
His 6,186 career rushing yards at the end of his Rams playing career were the most in franchise history at the time.
McCutcheon finished his playing career with the Broncos and Seahawks in 1980 and then the Bills in 1981. He then rejoined the Rams as a scout in 1982.
He held different roles in the franchise's personnel department, including four years serving as Director of Scouting and seven years as Director of Player Personnel. McCutcheon retired in 2016 after spending a total of 44 years overall in the NFL.
Sports reporter Kevin Lytle can be found on social media on X, Instagram and Threads @Kevin_Lytle and on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Former Colorado State star Lawrence McCutcheon has died