Clearwater played for the Winnipeg Rods (Junior) in 1963 and then for the University of Manitoba Bisons (1964-66). Clearwater is listed on the Bomber All-Time roster as having been with the team in 1965, but the official game participation stats do not list him as having dressed for any games. Apparently Clearwater attended the Bomber training camp in 1965 and 1966, but did not make the team. Clearwater injured his knee during an exibition game with the Bombers in 1965, and was possibly on the injury list for part of that season which accounts for his being listed on the Bomber All-Time roster despite not having played any regular season games. After his football career was over, Clearwater purused a legal career and went on to become a Manitoba provincial court judge.