Known affectionately as "Clutch," McCutcheon was a cornerstone of the Rams' offense throughout the 1970s. Drafted out of Colorado State in 1972, the Plainview, Texas native quickly established himself as a premier talent in the NFL. He led the team in rushing for five consecutive seasons between 1973 and 1977, thriving under the guidance of head coach Chuck Knox.
A Legacy Defined by Longevity and Versatility
McCutcheon’s impact on the Rams extended well beyond his rushing statistics. A second-team AP All-Pro selection in 1974, he was a fixture in the postseason, appearing in 11 playoff games for the franchise. One of his most memorable moments came during the January 1980 Super Bowl, where he showcased his versatility by throwing a touchdown pass to Ron Smith, briefly putting the Rams ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
By the time he departed the Rams in 1980, McCutcheon held the franchise record for career rushing yards. After concluding his playing career with brief stints in Denver, Seattle, and Buffalo, he transitioned into a new phase of his life that would see him remain deeply embedded within the Rams organization for decades.
Decades of Service in the Front Office
Following his retirement from the field, McCutcheon embarked on a distinguished 32-year career in the Rams' front office. He climbed the ranks to become the director of player personnel for the St. Louis Rams, a role he held from 2003 until his retirement in 2016, just before the team’s relocation back to Los Angeles.
In their statement, his family reflected on his enduring influence, noting that he earned the respect of teammates, colleagues, and fans throughout his lengthy tenure in both playing and administrative capacities. His football legacy continues through his family, including his son Daylon, who played cornerback for the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2006, and his grandson Dyson, a defensive back at Middle Tennessee.
