The Buffalo Bills' home opener will double as a celebration of life for one of the team's biggest fans, Ezra Castro.
Known as "Pancho Billa," Castro passed away in May at the age of 39 after a battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
The celebration will begin with a memorial tailgate party on Sunday at noon, followed by a video montage shown prior to kickoff of the Bills' game against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to WGRZ.
"Sunday will be challenging for me to try and control my emotions and stay focused on the game," said Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, who was close with Castro.
#Bills GM Brandon Beane spoke to reporters today about #PanchoBilla ahead of Sunday's home opener against the #Bengals. The Bills plan to celebrate Ezra Castro's life with a video montage and tribute before kickoff. @WGRZ pic.twitter.com/qiYIG8dpfr
— Jeff Preval (@PrevalWGRZ) September 17, 2019
Castro's family will be in attendance for both the tailgate and pregame celebration.
