As the Los Angeles Rams prepare to begin a new chapter in the organization, they say goodbye to one of their longtime figures in Lawrence McCutcheon.
The former Rams running back served as the team’s national scout for the last four years and the Rams announced he will retire after 42 years with the organization:
“This organization has meant everything (to me), I come from a little small town in Texas where you didn’t think you would have the opportunity to play before these big crowds and play in front of the best in the country, and its just good to be able to be proud of yourself.”
McCutcheon was taken by Los Angeles in the third round of the 1972 NFL Draft out of Colorado State. He spent eight seasons with the Rams and retired as the franchise’s all-time leading rusher with 6,186 yards. General manager Les Snead commented on McCutcheon’s impact on the Rams organization:
“McCutcheon has left an indelible mark on the Rams, as well as the National Football League,” said Snead. “The contributions he made as a player as well as a talent evaluator in our personnel department have been invaluable to this organization. We will miss ‘Clutch’ being around on routine basis, but he will always be an important part of our family.”
When his playing days were over, the five-time Pro-Bowler returned to the club as a scout in 1982 and has since then held various roles in the personnel department. When asked about the Rams return to Los Angeles, McCutcheon was confident this team will thrive in their new city:
“I’m very excited like a lot of people are, I think what you saw Saturday at the game was an indication of where this thing is headed.”
McCutcheon will continue to serve as a consultant to the personnel department and Rams Nation wishes ‘Clutch’ the best in retirement.