[citation needed] Starting for three years at Syracuse University, Nance tied the school record for career touchdowns (13) and led the Orangemen football team in rushing in 1964, scoring in ten straight games.
Nance also was a collegiate wrestler at Syracuse, and in 1963 and 1965, he was the NCAA wrestling heavyweight national champion.
At 6-1 and 260 pounds, Nance was a powerful fullback who carried 299 times in 1966, for 11 touchdowns and 1,458 yards.
He retired as the Patriots' all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with 45, a record he still holds.
In 1974, Nance played with the Houston Texans/Shreveport Steamer of the World Football League, rushing for 1,240 yards.