Buffalo Bills: An interview with Pancho Billa before he heads to the draft

Buffalo Bills fan “Pancho Billa” is heading to the NFL Draft thanks to his favorite team. We asked him a few questions before the big day.

Being a Buffalo Bills fan is about more than just cheering for the team on the field. It is about being a part of Bills Mafia. Being a part of a group that bands together to not only cheer on a football team, but to cheer on each other.

Bills fan Ezra Castro is known to Bills Mafia as “Pancho Billa.” So when he announced he was diagnosed with cancer last year, his fellow fans came to support the man who supports his Bills with so much energy and passion.

Things went even further for Castro when the Bills invited him and some of his closest Bills Mafia friends to attend the NFL Draft this week.

This is awesome by the Bills. What a great move by the organization to reward a fan who is going through such a battle.

As for Mr. Billa himself, we caught up with him and asked a few questions before he watches the draft mania go down this Thursday.

1. What were your initial thoughts and emotions when you learned that you had been invited to the NFL Draft by the Bills?

PB: My first emotion, after an early morning 716 number popped on my caller ID & I jumped out of bed like a mouse to escape the mousetrap, was total shock. When I learned it was a limited amount of tickets though, my first thought in my head was, how can I get all of Bills Mafia in? Lol.

Really, so many deserving and supportive fans that should share this opportunity with us, the DFW Bills Backers. After the call ended, I immediately had to rub it into my brothers faces (who one cheers for Dallas, and two for Denver). So the shock went to pure joy. A bucket list and dream to attend a draft. I will represent to the fullest. Even better that it’s in my hometown. I’ll never not answer a 716 incoming call.

2. How has your Bills fandom helped you in your fight against cancer?

PB: Two words : Bills Mafia. Darn, nearly tearing up typing this. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay the fans. When and if my time ever comes, I hope I’ve left a legacy of fandamonium. A GoFundMe account was set up just hours after my social media posts regarding my illness by my good friend Katie O’Brien, President of Houston Bills Backers. Bills Mafia responded with no hesitation.

Our own DFW Bills Backers set up raffles and merchandise sales for fundraising, as well as nationwide Backers, no hesitation. The whole Red Pinto Tailgate, Pinto Ron & Joanie “Best Bills Fan” DeKoker, stepped up and rallied behind me doing fundraising, no hesitation. Members of the Pro Football’s Ultimate Fan Association have donated and visit me frequently, no hesitation.

The hashtag #PanchoPower was born by my good amigo, Capt Buffalo and that has gone crazy viral helping get my story out. The list goes on and on with so many more, ending with the most recent 26 Shirts-Buffalo creating a beautiful Pancho Power shirt that exceeded my expectations in sales. I’m so grateful for the fans.

I pray for all of them every night & morning. I thank all of them who have put me on their local church prayer list. Bills fans accepted the crazy mexican luchador, Pancho Billa. I carry that with me everyday in my heart. A true blessing.

3. Who is your favorite Bills player currently on the team and why?

PB: Well, if he gets cleared to come back, gotta go with Richie Incognito. I played OL back in my high school years. When watching film after games, the most plays rewinded in film were Pancake plays. Richie pulling from his position, and Shady just dancing right behind running around to the end and Richie just picking up a small corner or linebacker and pancaking them, Shady off to the end zone, gets me pumped up.

OL don’t always get the proper credit in the NFL. That needs to change. If Richie is gone next year, gotta go with Jordan Poyer. Dude is a beast in the secondary. Should’ve been a Pro Bowler, enough said. Plus his family is cool as get out. They need a reality show, lol.

4. What do you think the Bills should do with picks 12 and 22 overall?

PB: Good question. I’m not 100 percent convinced (yet) we need a QB. I think they should sit, take the best player available at each pick. I’d hate to give up so much to move a couple of spots and it backfire in the future.

Next: Buffalo Bills 2018 NFL Draft Primer

Tough question, but I’ll always back whoever we pick. Good or bad, they become part of the organization and it’s our duty to cheer them on.