Troy Aikman Pays Tribute to Rams Legend Lawrence McCutcheon After His Death at 76
The American football community is remembering Lawrence “Clutch” McCutcheon, the former Los Angeles Rams running back who died at 76 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Among those paying tribute was Troy Aikman, the Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who recalled McCutcheon as a childhood hero and later came to know him personally.
McCutcheon’s family announced that he died on October 23, 2026, with relatives by his side. His passing has prompted tributes from the Rams organization, football figures and fans who remember his impact on the game both on and off the field.
Troy Aikman Remembers a Childhood Hero
Aikman, who grew up in Southern California as a Rams fan before becoming a star quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, shared a personal message following the news.
“Sad news. As a Rams Fan as a young boy growing up in SoCal, he was the man. I met him later in life and he was a true gentleman. RIP Lawrence,” Aikman wrote in an Instagram Story, according to published reports.
The message reflected the lasting influence McCutcheon had on fans who watched him play during the 1970s. Aikman’s tribute also highlighted a personal connection that went beyond football statistics: the respect he developed for McCutcheon after meeting him later in life.
A Five-Time Pro Bowl Star
Nicknamed “Clutch,” McCutcheon was selected by the Rams in the third round of the 1972 NFL Draft after playing college football at Colorado State. He soon became a central part of the team’s offense, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1973 through 1977.
He led the Rams in rushing in each of those five seasons and surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in four of them. During his eight seasons with Los Angeles, from 1972 to 1979, McCutcheon recorded 6,186 rushing yards.
That total made him the franchise’s all-time leading rusher when he departed in 1980. He now ranks fourth on the Rams’ career rushing list, behind Steven Jackson, Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk.
One of the memorable moments of his career came in Super Bowl XIV in January 1980. McCutcheon threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to Ron Smith, briefly giving the Rams the lead against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Los Angeles ultimately lost the game, 31–19, but the play remains part of his football legacy.
A Legacy Beyond the Playing Field
McCutcheon’s relationship with the Rams continued long after his playing career ended. Following stints with the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills, he returned to the Rams organization as a scout in 1982.
Over the years, he held several front-office positions, including director of scouting and director of player personnel. He spent decades evaluating talent and helping shape the organization, retiring in 2016. The Rams said his impact spanned generations and described his legacy as deeply woven into the franchise.
In a family statement shared through the team, relatives remembered the respect McCutcheon earned from teammates, opponents, colleagues and supporters throughout his career. The family also asked those wishing to honor his memory to consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research instead of sending flowers.
Football Remembers “Clutch”
McCutcheon’s career was defined by more than his rushing totals or Pro Bowl appearances. His transition from star player to trusted football executive gave him a rare, decades-long connection to one organization.
Aikman’s tribute captured how that legacy reached beyond the Rams’ record books. For one generation of fans, McCutcheon was a dynamic running back who helped define Rams football in the 1970s. For colleagues and players who encountered him later, he was also a respected football professional.
As tributes continue, Lawrence “Clutch” McCutcheon is being remembered as a player whose influence endured long after he left the field—and as a man whose character left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
