The Bills Mafia took care of its biggest fan during the NFL draft Friday night.
Ezra Castro, known as "Pancho Billa," was called to the podium by Buffalo Bills legends Andre Reed and Fred Jackson to read the team's third-round pick, The Buffalo News reported.
Castro, a Dallas resident, was in attendance at the draft, which was held at AT&T Stadium in nearby Arlington, Texas.
Castro is president of the Dallas Fort-Worth Bills Backers chapter and a lifelong Bills fan. He has been battling cancer since last fall and recently had chemotherapy, the News reported.
At the podium, Jackson acknowledged Castro, calling him “one of the most recognizable fans in Buffalo’s history.”
Then Reed, the Bills’ the Hall of Fame wide receiver, said that Castro “has been battling cancer, but this is not to dampen his spirit and his love for the game and his Bills.
Jackson returned to the microphone and invited Castro on stage to read the Bills’ draft choice.
"With the 96th pick, the Bills Mafia selects Harrison Phillips, defensive tackle, Stanford," Castro said, his voice cracking.
Reed and Jackson presented Castro with a Bills No. 18 jersey that had “NFL Draft” stitched on the back.
General Manager Brandon Beane said Castro’s moment at the podium “sent chills up everybody’s spine in the draft room."
“We’re all praying for him,” Beane told the News.
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