Bills Planning to Honor Late Superfan Pancho Billa at Home Opener
By Seth Carlson
The game on September 22nd between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals at New Era Field will be a momentous occasion. Not only will it be the home opener for the 2019 Bills season, but also a memorial to a remarkable NFL superfan who passed away too soon.
Forever part of our family. ❤️?
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 17, 2019
We will celebrate Pancho Billa’s life on September 22 at our home opener. #VivaLosBills #PanchoPower pic.twitter.com/u14PtCBgej
Pancho Billa was the nickname given to Ezra Castro, a fan who touched the hearts of many in Bills Mafia and beyond. Donning his iconic lucha libre mask and sombrero, he became one of the most recognizable and vibrant personalities around the NFL. Sadly, he passed away this week at the age of 39 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
The Bills are doing a great thing by honoring the man who was so devoted to rooting for his favorite football team. And his fellow fans have likewise stepped up to show just how much he meant to them.
Reaction: Bills Mafia remembers superfan Pancho Billahttps://t.co/GCVuR5ZeRO
— TheBillsWire (@TheBillsWire) May 16, 2019
Even the players, some of whom were truly touched by Pancho Billa, made sure to honor his legacy through acts of their own as well, like defensive tackle Harrison Phillips.
After the loss of @PanchoBilla1, @horribleharry99 wanted to find a way to honor his friend. The #Bills defensive tackle did just that, by incorporating #Bills fans into a keepsake for Pancho’s loved ones.https://t.co/kWiA6aA3b1 @TheBillsWire #BillsMafia #PanchoPower
— Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) May 17, 2019
Ezra Castro may no longer be with us, but his memory will live on in the annals of NFL fandom for a long, long time.