Sometimes in the the face of tragedy, a good deed can make all the difference.

Following the passing of Buffalo Bills superfan, Ezra Castro, who is known by the moniker Pancho Billa, Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips is hoping to do just that.

Phillips held an event on Thursday at New Era Field to allow fans to pay their respects to a man who meant so much, to so many.

“This event tonight brings a lot of light to me. Obviously I see the social media impact that the Bills Mafia and Bills fans have. They’re always retweeting, liking, commenting and showing their support that way. I guess this is just the first time that I really see it like this,” Phillips said.

Fans that could come to the Bills Store in Orchard Park on Thursday, signed a banner sized, sympathy card for Castro’s family that Phillips will be delivering in person on Saturday in Irving, Texas, where a viewing/service will be held for the late fan.

Despite the attention Castro received, since announcing the defensive tackle as the Bills’ third-round selection during the 2018 NFL draft, Phillips was still taken back by just how many fans showed up to sign the card.

“You know, we’ve had a steady stream of people coming in here the entire time we’ve been here and the signatures are growing and growing,” Phillips said.

“For people to take time out of their day, on a Thursday afternoon, work week, you know all the different factors inhibiting them from getting here. But people are coming from Buffalo, the city, Southtowns, Northtowns, everywhere to come out and pay respect,” Phillips added.

Castro and Phillips formed a special bond ever since last year’s draft and despite Castro’s battle with Stage 4 Cancer, the two became good friends. So much so, that Phillips FaceTimed with Castro during this year’s draft, despite the Bills fans being confined to a hospital bed in Hospice Care.

Castro often referred to himself as just a “normal guy,” but through his fight and his journey, he became much more than that to his fellow Bills fans and to the people of Buffalo.

“It’s just really, really, really, really impressive what Ezra’s power was in this city and to this organization,” Phillips said. “I cannot wait to bring this to his girlfriend, Veronica, his kids, his brothers, his Mom & Dad and all his family and just let them know how much the city of Buffalo actually does care, to come out here and be here physically and write their names for him.”

While fans and players alike have found ways to honor Pancho Billa, this card is a unique way to show just what this “normal guy” meant to so many. It’s also a way for one Bills player to give back to not only a fan, but to his friend.

Despite Castro being gone, his memory and legacy will live on forever. He helped bring together so many and showcased that while sports are a big part of life, there is so much more to it than that.

Pancho Power, forever.