Kim Pegula Honors Bills Fan Ezra Castro, AKA 'Pancho Billa,' After His Death

Buffalo Bills superfan Ezra Castro, who went by the persona "Pancho Billa," died Tuesday at the age of 39, per Anne Neville of the Buffalo News.

He was diagnosed with cancer in November 2017.

Kim Pegula, who is one of the principal owners of the Buffalo Bills, paid tribute to Castro and pointed to the inspiration he provided for the team:

Ezra’s family announced his death on Twitter:

Neville provided background on the "Pancho Billa" persona Erza adapted, noting the Dallas resident chose to be a Bills fan because he was proud of his Mexican-American heritage and wanted to cheer for a team that had colors close to the red, white and green of the Mexican flag.

He was known for his catchphrase "Viva Los Bills," wore a costume with a sombrero and luchador mask to games, and chose the "Pancho Billa" name as a play on Mexican revolutionary general Francisco "Pancho" Villa.

Erza was the president of the Bills Backers group in Dallas/Fort Worth and frequently traveled to the team’s games. He also was joined on stage by Bills legends Andre Reed and Fred Jackson during the 2018 NFL draft to help Buffalo make its third-round pick.

Erza is survived by his longtime partner, two children, parents and three brothers.