He attended Branford High School, where he was a member of the football team for four years, running from 1921 to 1924.

[2] Clancy played football for Holy Cross College at Worcester, Massachusetts — halfback on the offense and linebacker on the defensive side of the ball.

[2] He earned recognition in 1928 when in a game against Harvard College Clancy made 15 consecutive tackles as a linebacker.

[2] Clancy broke into the NFL in 1930 with the Newark Tornadoes before moving to the Staten Island Stapletons in 1931.

[1] After 9 games with the Stapletons in 1932, Clancy was traded to the New York Football Giants, with whom he finished the season.