Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman has paid a heartfelt tribute to former Los Angeles Rams running back Lawrence McCutcheon, who passed away on October 23, 2026, at the age of 76 following a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease. Aikman, who grew up supporting the Rams in Southern California, remembered McCutcheon as one of his childhood football heroes and praised the former player for his kindness when they eventually met.
McCutcheon’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences across the NFL community. The five-time Pro Bowl running back was widely respected for his achievements on the field and his decades of service to the Rams organization after retiring from professional football.
Troy Aikman Shares Personal Tribute to Lawrence McCutcheon
Troy Aikman responded to the news by sharing the Rams’ official announcement on his Instagram story. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback reflected on watching McCutcheon play during his childhood and recalled the impression the running back made on him.
“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.
The tribute offered a personal perspective on McCutcheon’s influence beyond his professional achievements. For Aikman, the former Rams star represented an important part of his early connection with football.
Aikman later established his own remarkable NFL career, winning three Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys before entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He currently works as an NFL television analyst for ESPN.
His message highlighted how McCutcheon’s reputation extended beyond his statistics, leaving lasting memories among supporters who watched him during the Rams’ successful years in the 1970s.
Lawrence McCutcheon Dies After Parkinson’s Battle
The Los Angeles Rams confirmed McCutcheon’s passing on October 23, releasing a statement from his family. He died with relatives at his bedside following a lengthy struggle with Parkinson’s disease.
His family described him as a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose contributions to football continued long after his playing career ended.
The statement emphasized the respect McCutcheon earned from teammates, opponents, colleagues and supporters throughout his association with professional football.
The Rams also expressed their condolences, recognizing his remarkable commitment to the franchise across multiple generations.
McCutcheon’s passing marks the loss of one of the most recognizable players from the Rams’ successful 1970s teams and a longtime organizational figure who helped shape the franchise behind the scenes.
His family requested that those wishing to honor his memory consider contributing to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research instead of sending flowers.
McCutcheon’s Remarkable Rams Career
Born in Plainview, Texas, Lawrence McCutcheon developed his football career at Colorado State University before entering the NFL.
The Los Angeles Rams selected him in the third round of the 1972 NFL Draft with the 70th overall pick. He quickly established himself as a dependable running back in an offense led by head coach Chuck Knox.
McCutcheon’s breakthrough arrived in 1973, beginning a remarkable stretch of five consecutive Pro Bowl selections through 1977.
During that period, he became one of the league’s most productive running backs, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in four of those five seasons.
He also earned second-team Associated Press All-Pro recognition in 1974, strengthening his reputation as an important contributor to the Rams’ offense.
By the time he left Los Angeles in 1980, McCutcheon had accumulated 6,186 rushing yards for the franchise, making him its all-time leading rusher at that point.
He currently ranks fourth on the Rams’ career rushing list behind Steven Jackson, Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk.
His Unforgettable Super Bowl Moment
One of McCutcheon’s most memorable performances came during Super Bowl XIV against the Pittsburgh Steelers in January 1980.
Although primarily known for his rushing ability, McCutcheon delivered an unexpected contribution when he threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to teammate Ron Smith.
The play gave Los Angeles a temporary lead against Pittsburgh and became one of the most memorable moments of his professional career.
The Steelers eventually recovered to secure a 31-19 victory, but McCutcheon’s touchdown pass remains an important part of Rams postseason history.
Another notable achievement came during the 1975 playoffs, when he rushed for 202 yards on 37 carries against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Both figures established Rams postseason records and demonstrated his ability to perform in important games.
Across his NFL career, McCutcheon recorded 6,578 rushing yards and 26 rushing touchdowns. He also contributed 198 receptions for 1,799 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns.
Decades of Service Beyond Football
McCutcheon’s association with the Rams continued after his playing career concluded.
Following additional NFL appearances with the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills, he returned to the Rams organization as a scout in 1982.
He subsequently held several important personnel positions, including director of scouting and director of player personnel.
His responsibilities involved evaluating football talent and contributing to decisions that shaped the team’s roster over many seasons.
McCutcheon remained with the organization through its years in St. Louis and retired on August 18, 2016, shortly after the franchise returned to Los Angeles.
By retirement, he had accumulated 42 years of service with the Rams as a player and personnel executive.
His football connections also continued through his family. His son, Daylon McCutcheon, played cornerback for the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2006, while his grandson, Dyson McCutcheon, pursued college football at Middle Tennessee.
NFL Community Remembers a Respected Legend
Following the announcement, tributes reflected McCutcheon’s importance to the Rams and the wider football community.
The organization recognized his contributions as both a five-time Pro Bowl player and an experienced personnel executive.
Aikman’s Instagram message was particularly meaningful because it connected McCutcheon’s professional achievements with the memories of supporters who admired him growing up.
His description of McCutcheon as a gentleman also reflected the personal reputation the former running back developed during his years around the league.
While McCutcheon’s career statistics remain an important part of Rams history, his decades of service and relationships within football represent an equally significant legacy.
For Troy Aikman and countless longtime Rams supporters, Lawrence McCutcheon will be remembered not only as an outstanding running back but also as a respected figure whose influence continued well beyond his playing days.
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