Troy Aikman has paid an emotional tribute to former Los Angeles Rams running back Lawrence McCutcheon following the NFL legend’s death at the age of 76. McCutcheon passed away on October 23, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as both a player and a longtime Rams executive.
Aikman, a former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current NFL broadcaster, remembered McCutcheon as a childhood hero while growing up in Southern California. His heartfelt message highlighted the impact McCutcheon had on Rams fans and the respect he earned throughout his football career.
Troy Aikman’s Tribute to Lawrence McCutcheon
The Troy Aikman Lawrence McCutcheon tribute came through an Instagram Story in which Aikman shared a post from the Rams containing statements from McCutcheon’s family and the franchise.
Aikman reflected on watching McCutcheon play during his childhood in Southern California and later getting the opportunity to meet him personally.
“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 a true gentleman. RIP Lawrence,” Aikman wrote.
Although Aikman built his own legendary NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, his message demonstrated the lasting influence McCutcheon had on football fans beyond the Rams organization.
McCutcheon was one of the standout running backs of his era, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and helping establish himself as one of the most important players in Rams history.
Lawrence McCutcheon Dies After Battle With Parkinson’s Disease
Lawrence McCutcheon died on October 23, 2026, with his family at his bedside following a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease, according to a statement released by his family through the Rams.
His family remembered him as a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The statement also highlighted his contributions to professional football, including his decade-long playing career and another 32 years working in the Rams’ front office.
The family expressed gratitude for the support received from the community and encouraged those wishing to honor McCutcheon’s memory to donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research instead of sending flowers.
His death prompted tributes from the Rams organization, former players and football fans who remembered his contributions on and off the field.
Lawrence McCutcheon’s NFL Career and Rams Legacy
McCutcheon entered the NFL in 1972 and spent eight seasons with the Los Angeles Rams from 1972 through 1979. He later played for the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks in 1980 before finishing his professional playing career with the Buffalo Bills in 1981.
During his time with the Rams, McCutcheon became one of the league’s most productive running backs. He earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1973 to 1977 and received second-team All-Pro recognition in 1974.
He also achieved a significant milestone by rushing for more than 1,000 yards in both 1973 and 1974, becoming the first Rams running back to accomplish the feat in consecutive seasons. McCutcheon repeated the achievement in 1976 and 1977.
By the end of his Rams playing career, he had established himself as the franchise’s all-time leading rusher at that point in its history.
His consistency, toughness and production made him a central figure in the Rams’ offense during one of the most memorable periods in the franchise’s history.
McCutcheon Made Super Bowl History With a Touchdown Pass
One of Lawrence McCutcheon’s most memorable contributions came during Super Bowl XIV, when the Rams faced the Pittsburgh Steelers.
McCutcheon threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Ron Smith, recording the first Super Bowl touchdown pass in Rams history. The unusual play also placed McCutcheon among the small group of non-quarterbacks to throw a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl.
The moment remains an important part of his football legacy and illustrates the versatility he brought to the game.
Although the Rams ultimately lost Super Bowl XIV, McCutcheon’s contribution became a notable piece of the franchise’s championship history.
Lawrence McCutcheon Continued Serving the Rams After Retirement
McCutcheon’s influence extended well beyond his playing days. After retiring following the 1981 NFL season, he returned to the Rams organization as a scout and gradually moved into leadership roles.
In 2003, he became the team’s director of player personnel, helping evaluate talent and shape the organization’s roster. He remained involved with the franchise until retiring from his front-office position in 2016.
His decades of service gave him a rare connection to multiple generations of Rams players, coaches and executives.
The Rams described his impact as one that spanned generations, emphasizing how deeply his contributions were woven into the organization’s identity.
NFL Community Remembers Lawrence McCutcheon
The response to McCutcheon’s death reflects the lasting respect he earned throughout professional football. For Aikman, the loss was also personal in a different way: McCutcheon had been a football hero during his childhood.
Aikman’s tribute captured both the admiration of a young fan and the respect of someone who later met the former running back as an adult.
McCutcheon will be remembered for his five Pro Bowl appearances, his achievements as a Rams running back, his historic Super Bowl touchdown pass and his decades of service to the franchise.
His passing at 76 marks the loss of a significant figure in Rams history, but his impact on the organization and the NFL will continue to be remembered by generations of football fans.
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