Los Angeles Rams: 30 greatest players in franchise history

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It’s always special when a former player can find another role within the organization after their playing days come to an end. That was exactly the case for Lawrence McCutcheon, who spent the first eight years of his NFL career with the Rams before working in the personnel department.

To finish off his career, the running back bounced around to three different teams (Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills) over the final two years, but his time with the Rams is how football fans will always remember him.

Back in the 1972 NFL Draft, Los Angeles used a third-round pick on the former Colorado State star. Even though his rookie season consisted of limited action, McCutcheon’s second year is when things really started to take off.

Not only would McCutcheon go on to top the 1,000-yard rushing mark in four of the next five seasons, but each year saw the running back being selected to the Pro Bowl.

One of McCutcheon’s most impressive seasons came in 1977 when he rushed for 1,238 yards to go along with seven touchdowns. From an individual perspective, there’s no question his best game took place during the 1975 postseason.

That game against the St. Louis Cardinals ended up being a career day for McCutcheon after he rushed for 202 yards on 37 carries during the 35-23 win. Crossing the 200-yard rushing mark is never an easy accomplishment at the NFL level. For a running back that had never recorded more than 20 carries in a game that same season, McCutcheon deserves credit for being a workhorse when needed the most in the NFC playoffs.