Former Montana State Bobcat Retires from Football

Bozeman native Lance McCutcheon ends 4-year NFL career

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Lance McCutcheon, a former Montana State Bobcats football player and Bozeman native, has announced his retirement from the NFL after a 4-year professional career spanning 5 different teams.

Why it matters

McCutcheon's retirement marks the end of a successful college and pro football career for the Bozeman native, who was able to achieve his dream of playing in the NFL despite the challenges of making it as an undrafted free agent.

The details

After a standout college career at Montana State, McCutcheon signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He went on to play for 4 other NFL teams over the next 4 seasons before deciding to retire from the league.

  • McCutcheon signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
  • He played for 4 different NFL teams over the next 4 seasons.
  • McCutcheon announced his retirement from the NFL on March 4, 2026.

The players

Lance McCutcheon

A former Montana State Bobcats football player and Bozeman native who played 4 seasons in the NFL for 5 different teams before announcing his retirement.

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What they’re saying

“4 years and 5 teams is more than I could ever ask for. It was truly a dream come true.”

— Lance McCutcheon (Independent Record)

The takeaway

McCutcheon's retirement after a successful college and brief NFL career is a reminder that even undrafted players can achieve their professional dreams, though the path is often challenging and short-lived for many.