PRO FOOTBALL'S ULTIMATE FAN ASSOCIATION
RING OF HONOR MEMBER
AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY
Ezra Castro “Pancho Billa” was inducted into our organization in the First Draft Class of 2011 as the Buffalo Bills Ultimate Fan, and was inducted into the Pro Football's Ultimate Fan Association "Ring of Honor" in 2020.
In 2019, Ezra was the co-award winner for The Jason “Beardown J” "Carlson Courage Award." This award is for the PFUFA member who throughout the previous year has personified Honor & Courage and Inspired our membership through a displayed of our mission statement in their day-to-day lives.
Ezra is a Texan and born in El Paso, later moving to Dallas, Ezra found his way to becoming an avid Buffalo Bills fan. Through his life, he developed the character of “Pancho Billa,” a vibrant supporter of the Buffalo BIlls. Though he traveled often to Buffalo, he took great pleasure in connecting with other fans, who like him, lived far away from their favorite team. By seeing the team play around the nation at “road games,” Ezra connected even more intensely with his Buffalo familia. Ezra loved being with Bills fans, in turn, Bills fans loved being with him.
A dedicated father, he loved sharing his fandom with his two children, his son, Ginobli Castro, and daughter, Lourdes Castro. From the youngest ages, Ezra had them dressed in Bills colors, taking great satisfaction in teaching them all about his favorite football team.
Attending the PFUFA reunion was important to Ezra; he traveled many times to Ohio, so that he could spend time with his fellow football fans. He even kept their smiles, despite beating many members in the reunion’s annual poker game.
In November 2017, Ezra was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Despite undergoing a 10-hour neck surgery, a long recovery involving chemotherapy, radiation and physical therapy, compounded with participation in a clinical trial, Ezra was the eternal optimist. In the most difficult of times, he remained an inspiring person to all he met.
The 2018 NFL Draft, held in Dallas, was especially important to Ezra Castro. Able to attend the draft in person, in his hometown; he was elated. Unbeknownst to him, however, the Buffalo Bills surprised him by calling him on stage to announce the team’s third-round draft pick, Harrison Phillips. Since that day, Mr. Phillips has remained in close contact with Ezra and his family.
In November 2018, Sean McDermott, coach of the Buffalo Bills, invited Ezra to speak to the team. On the eve of playing division rival, the N.Y. Jets, in the Meadowlands, Ezra wore his “Pancho Billa” gear, and walked into that team meeting. The Buffalo Bills broke the news to the public, stating, “He's an inspiration to so many and it's a moment we'll never forget.”
In 2019, the Buffalo Bills called upon Ezra “Pancho Billa” Castro once again. While under hospice care, the Buffalo Bills owner and management, asked Ezra to select their first-round pick of the 2019 N.F.L. Draft, Ed Oliver.
Known to many as "Pancho Billa," Ezra Castro, an extreme fan of the Buffalo Bills, lost his valiant battle with cancer in 2019. He was 39.
Despite his passing, many continue to embrace the hashtag, #PanchoPower. Rallying to stay hopeful, positive, and a beacon of good when challenged with hardship.