He played for the New York Yankees (AAFC), the Detroit Lions, and the Chicago Cardinals.

Panciera was a two time first-team All-State quarterback honors for La Salle Academy in 1944 and 1945.

As a senior in 1945 he led the Maroon to an undefeated season and a trip to New Orleans for a special high school bowl game at Tulane Stadium.

The conference folded after the 1949 season, so in 1950 Panciera played defensive back for the Detroit Lions, recording 1 interception in 4 games.

In 1960, he began working for General Motors in New England and in 1970 was awarded a GM dealership in Wakefield, Rhode Island.