New interview! Jim Kelly never met or contacted Pancho Billa

[mrags]

54 minutes ago, yall said:

What's confusing about it? Yeah it's a cool story about Pancho Billa, but is Kelly supposed to meet with every ill fan? 

 

Half of the posters here probably had a family member who was a long time super fan that dealt with a life threatening illness. Should Kelly meet them all too?

 

 

This is where I’m at. 

 

Not to sound like a COMPLETE DICK, but I honestly don’t get all the crazy love. Yeah, Pancho is a great story and a great guy. But at the end of the day why should he get all this crazy Bills love, calls from Beane and McDermott and Bills players on a regular basis? Like I said, it’s a sad story and my heart goes out to Ezra’s family with his passing. But let’s be real here, there are probably hundreds of thousands of Bills fans that have cancer, more that have died of cancer, and even more that will die of cancer. Are we to believe they are any less important, or loved than Ezra was?

 

like i said, I didn’t want to be a Dick about it. And I already know the kind of responses I will receive from this. You don’t need to bother. I already know I’m an @$$hole and I’m going to hell. You don’t need to remind me. 

[Buffalo716]

1 minute ago, BurpleBull said:

I honestly wasn't familiar with Pancho Villa before catching wind of his battle; I always considered the Chef and Elvis as the equivalent of Fireman Ed. 

The Bills as a fan base are special

 

There are tons of fans who go to every game, home and away...

 

Through thick and thin good and bad...

 

We have lots of amazing fans

[Mr. WEO]

Just another fan?

 

Some cold mofo's right here....

[zow2]

Jeez, no one is saying Kelly should have hopped a private jet and flown down to Texas.  Just pick up a phone while the guy is lying there dying in hospice care.  Not that difficult.

 

I'd like to think Pancho is up there now pulling a few strings in the Bills favor.... They are off to a great start including one improbable comeback.  Just sayin'.

[mrags]

2 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

Just another fan?

 

Some cold mofo's right here....

Well remember to forget about you when you die, because you weren’t as famous and important as Pancho. How’s that?

[BurpleBull]

Just now, Buffalo716 said:

The Bills as a fan base are special

 

There are tons of fans who go to every game, home and away...

 

Through thick and thin good and bad...

 

We have lots of amazing fans

 

Agreed. The turnout in the other team's stadium these past games, really makes you feel proud to be a part of it.

[Mr. WEO]

Just now, mrags said:

Well remember to forget about you when you die, because you weren’t as famous and important as Pancho. How’s that?

 

lol sounds good.

[StHustle]

11 minutes ago, Gugny said:

He was a Bills fan who wore a costume and went to a lot of games.  He didn't represent Bills fans/the Bills Mafia.

 

REALLY??? He was president of the DFW Bills Backers (one of the largest in the country) for YEARS. He was in the news for his fanhood BEFORE 'Bills Mafia' was coined and well before he had cancer. How can you say he didnt represent Bills Mafi or Bills Fans?

 

Pancho Billa is one of the MOST recognized Bills fans in the world. 

 

Im amazed at a lot of these responses in here. Such a lack of respect. 

[Solomon Grundy]

2 minutes ago, zow2 said:

Jeez, no one is saying Kelly should have hopped a private jet and flown down to Texas.  Just pick up a phone while the guy is lying there dying in hospice care.  Not that difficult.

 

I'd like to think Pancho is up there now pulling a few strings in the Bills favor.... They are off to a great start including one improbable comeback.  Just sayin'.

Or, how about meeting Pancho at the plethora of games they attended simultaneously?

[Buffalo716]

4 minutes ago, StHustle said:

 

REALLY??? He was president of the DFW Bills Backers (one of the largest in the country) for YEARS. He was in the news for his fanhood BEFORE 'Bills Mafia' was coined and well before he had cancer. How can you say he didnt represent Bills Mafi or Bills Fans?

 

Pancho Billa is one of the MOST recognized Bills fans in the world. 

 

Im amazed at a lot of these responses in here. Such a lack of respect. 

God Bless him and I said tons of prayers for him

 

But I had no idea honestly who he was before all the press and I'm also a super die hard fan

 

Elvis and the Chefs imo were a bit more recognizable

 

BUT NO FAN is more important than anyone. WE ARE ALL the 12th man together and Ezra brought us closer together

 

Edited September 18, 2019 by Buffalo716

[wagon127]

6 minutes ago, mrags said:

This is where I’m at. 

 

Not to sound like a COMPLETE DICK, but I honestly don’t get all the crazy love. Yeah, Pancho is a great story and a great guy. But at the end of the day why should he get all this crazy Bills love, calls from Beane and McDermott and Bills players on a regular basis? Like I said, it’s a sad story and my heart goes out to Ezra’s family with his passing. But let’s be real here, there are probably hundreds of thousands of Bills fans that have cancer, more that have died of cancer, and even more that will die of cancer. Are we to believe they are any less important, or loved than Ezra was?

 

like i said, I didn’t want to be a Dick about it. And I already know the kind of responses I will receive from this. You don’t need to bother. I already know I’m an @$$hole and I’m going to hell. You don’t need to remind me. 

I agree with you. The franchise did more than they needed to do, and there didnt seem to be any bitterness from Pancho. He was grateful for every thing the bills did for him. I'm not going to sit here and say why didnt they do more. Thats insane.

[mrags]

1 minute ago, StHustle said:

 

REALLY??? He was president of the DFW Bills Backers (one of the largest in the country) for YEARS. He was in the news for his fanhood BEFORE 'Bills Mafia' was coined and well before he had cancer. How can you say he didnt represent Bills Mafi or Bills Fans?

 

Pancho Billa is one of the MOST recognized Bills fans in the world. 

 

Im amazed at a lot of these responses in here. Such a lack of respect. 

Again, not to sound like a complete douche bag, but have you ever thought that Pancho was recognized by Bills fans in this world because the Team and the NFL decided it was a good story and good for their image?

 

because don’t think for a second there aren’t rooms full of guys in the league that aren’t searching for these feel good stories to bring some good publicity to their teams or the league. 

 

Nobody os saying Ezra wasn’t a great man. Great father. Great husband. Great son. Etc... I just really want to Know what makes him so special and why he gets all the publicity over anyone else that has died, is dying, or will be dying of the same thing that took his life. 

 

Like I said, it’s a great story. 

[bbb]

Not that I think this is a story, but when was this interview?  Maybe Jim contacted him later?  

[Just Jack]

Did anyone listen to that portion of the interview? Ezra is okay with Kelly not reaching out to him, because he knew Kelly was going through a lot with his own cancer scares, and he's fine with that. 

[Gugny]

6 minutes ago, StHustle said:

 

REALLY??? He was president of the DFW Bills Backers (one of the largest in the country) for YEARS. He was in the news for his fanhood BEFORE 'Bills Mafia' was coined and well before he had cancer. How can you say he didnt represent Bills Mafi or Bills Fans?

 

Pancho Billa is one of the MOST recognized Bills fans in the world. 

 

Im amazed at a lot of these responses in here. Such a lack of respect. 

 

He was one of many "Super Fans."   I see absolutely nothing disrespectful in my comments.  He certainly did not represent Bills fans.  Just like Pinto Ken doesn't; or the Elvis dude; or any other Bills "Super Fans."

 

You think Jets fans feel like that idiot fireman represents them???  Christ, I hope not.  But he's the most famous Jets fan.

 

I think you need to put this into perspective.

 

More than anything, Ezra was a man who died of cancer and left a family behind.  That's the tragedy, here.  NOT that Jim Kelly didn't visit him.  That's just silly.

[StHustle]

6 minutes ago, Gugny said:

I think you need to put this into perspective.

 

More than anything, Ezra was a man who died of cancer and left a family behind.  That's the tragedy, here.  NOT that Jim Kelly didn't visit him.  That's just silly.

 

I think you are missing the point I was trying to make.

 

As a person who put so much into being a fan that he made national news on several occasions, is laying there in a hospital bed trying to beat cancer, it would have been nice if Bills Hall of Fame legend who recently beat cancer went to visit him or at least made a phone call. To me there is no excuse for not at least calling the guy.

 

Yes there are many super fans. Few rise to the level of a Pancho Billa.

 

There is a reason why the Bills organization built the relationship they did with Ezra. One Jim Kelly , and many of you, seem to fail to recognize.

[Beast]

1 hour ago, BrycePaup4ever said:

Who cares if he is overhyped! He was the type of fan we all wish we had the ballz to be.

 

Huh?

[I'm Spartacus]

This is kind of a touchy subject that maybe we shouldn't dive too deep into.

Pancho was a great fan, and a great human interest story too. But I don't think comparing him to other fans, or approving or disapproving Jim Kelly's involvement to Pancho is really a good thing to post about (here I am posting!). Let's concentrate on a Bills victory over the Bungles this Sunday!

[Coach Tuesday]

The weird stuff fans fixate on.

[Buffalo716]

16 minutes ago, StHustle said:

 

I think you are missing the point I was trying to make.

 

As a person who put so much into being a fan that he made national news on several occasions, is laying there in a hospital bed trying to beat cancer, it would have been nice if Bills Hall of Fame legend who recently beat cancer went to visit him or at least made a phone call. To me there is no excuse for not at least calling the guy.

 

Yes there are many super fans. Few rise to the level of a Pancho Billa.

 

There is a reason why the Bills organization built the relationship they did with Ezra. One Jim Kelly , and many of you, seem to fail to recognize.

The Bills do make a wish too

 

They were flooded with requests that Ezra got to partake in something and they granted it

 

Jim Kelly is sick. Anytime somebody reaches out it's special..  but Jimbo has been in rough shape for a while

 

He needs to get himself right , he did nothing wrong by not reaching out. The Bills did wayyyy more than anyone could imagine

[Beast]

So, Jill Kelly reaching out to Pancho on Twitter and telling him her family  is praying for him isn’t good enough for some of you?

 

 

 

 

Edited September 18, 2019 by Binghamton Beast

[Rob's House]

22 minutes ago, StHustle said:

 

I think you are missing the point I was trying to make.

 

As a person who put so much into being a fan that he made national news on several occasions, is laying there in a hospital bed trying to beat cancer, it would have been nice if Bills Hall of Fame legend who recently beat cancer went to visit him or at least made a phone call. To me there is no excuse for not at least calling the guy.

 

Yes there are many super fans. Few rise to the level of a Pancho Billa.

 

There is a reason why the Bills organization built the relationship they did with Ezra. One Jim Kelly , and many of you, seem to fail to recognize.

I'm not sure how Jim Kelly became obligated to contact Pancho Billa. Is it because they both had cancer and were linked to the Bills? Does it matter if they were friends or acquaintances? Did Jim even knew who this guy was before the cancer story broke? 

 

I'm also not sure how it's anyone else's business. I'm glad I don't have a bunch of sanctimonious busy bodies following me around determining what symbolic gestures I have a moral obligation to comply with.

 

I am sorry that you were deprived of the warm fuzzy feeling you would have experienced watching a clip of two strangers with cancer meeting for a PR photo op. Seeing it broadcast nationwide by a corporate entity exploiting the situation for ratings and goodwill would have been so touching.

[Kelly the Dog]

“Who are three people who have never been in my kitchen?”

[Cripple Creek]

42 minutes ago, Just Jack said:

Did anyone listen to that portion of the interview? Ezra is okay with Kelly not reaching out to him, because he knew Kelly was going through a lot with his own cancer scares, and he's fine with that. 

That is immaterial to our overreactions.

[Gavin in Va Beach]

This has been an uncomfortable thread to read for many reasons. I'm trying to make sense of it.

 

1. Raw meat to the professional outrage seekers. You know who you are. Be better than that.

2. Much respect to Ezra 'Pancho Billa' Castro. By all accounts he was a good man who was a fan of our beloved Buffalo Bills. His creativity on his fandom was entertaining and made him beloved as well. When we learned of his battle, it made him more endearing because Buffalo and it's fans love to support the underdog facing great odds. That people in the Buffalo organization supported him is commendable and worthy of our appreciation. May Ezra rest in peace.

3. Much respect to Jim Kelly, for giving it his all while quarterbacking our beloved team and for his own battle facing great odds. That people in the Buffalo organization supported him is commendable and worthy of our appreciation. May Jim continue to win his battle for as long as he can.

4. Both Castro and Kelly are human beings, and as such have their flaws, same as you and me. Some flaws become known through the media or speculated on through rumor and 2nd hand accounts, and are used to judge. Some judge more harshly than others and for reasons unknown. It's an unfortunate by-product of our flawed humanity. It would be better if we could be more forgiving, or not so quick to find a negative in what may be difficult circumstances for someone.

5. We are all Bills Brothers and Sisters. Cut some slack when you can.

 

Go Bills!

[BrycePaup4ever]

R.I.P. Pancho

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

2 hours ago, BrycePaup4ever said:

Who cares if he is overhyped! He was the type of fan we all wish we had the ballz to be.

 

Really? I wish I was less of a fan, but I can’t help myself.  I should be working right now

 

?‍♂️ 

[coloradobillsfan]

thread title seems to have set some folks off.  it certainly wasn't the biggest takeaway of that interview for me.  it was good to hear Pancho's voice again though.  and the Bills haven't lost a game since we lost him so who knows.  
also FWIW I distinctly remember a video shoutout to Pancho from JK on social media. 

[Bobby Hooks]

Hey guys, just walking by, thought I’d stop in and see what’s going on in here... 

 

oh...

 

*slowly backs out* 

 

*closes thread* 

 

*destroys computer* 

 

*cleans hands thoroughly*

 

*runs away to live the rest of his days in the Canadian wilderness*

 

 

 

 

[Radar]

2 hours ago, BrycePaup4ever said:

Fair point, but Jim had to know he was the face of the fan base. Jim is obligated to do what he wants.

Jim also has the cash to make that visit on behalf of others. 

Wow, I think your fandom has gone overboard here. A sad story but after all unfortunately a story lived out daily.  He was a Bills fan and touching story but way over blown at this point. Lost my dad at fifteen, mother from pancreatic cancer, my brother in law at forty seven years old. Life has it's tragic stories for most of us you just don't hear about it.

[DaBillsFanSince1973]

8 minutes ago, coloradobillsfan said:

thread title seems to have set some folks off.  it certainly wasn't the biggest takeaway of that interview for me.  it was good to hear Pancho's voice again though.  and the Bills haven't lost a game since we lost him so who knows.  
also FWIW I distinctly remember a video shoutout to Pancho from JK on social media. 

so much for JK didn't care.

 

OP, you can delete this thread now.

 

 

[Dablitzkrieg]

1 hour ago, mrags said:

Well remember to forget about you when you die, because you weren’t as famous and important as Pancho. How’s that?

Does it really matter if you forget me when I'm dead?  I mean, I'm dead right?  Am I supposed to give a *****?

[mrags]

1 minute ago, Dablitzkrieg said:

Does it really matter if you forget me when I'm dead?  I mean, I'm dead right?  Am I supposed to give a *****?

I wasn’t talking to you. Weo was ok with it tho. 

[plenzmd1]

1 hour ago, mrags said:

This is where I’m at. 

 

Not to sound like a COMPLETE DICK, but I honestly don’t get all the crazy love. Yeah, Pancho is a great story and a great guy. But at the end of the day why should he get all this crazy Bills love, calls from Beane and McDermott and Bills players on a regular basis? Like I said, it’s a sad story and my heart goes out to Ezra’s family with his passing. But let’s be real here, there are probably hundreds of thousands of Bills fans that have cancer, more that have died of cancer, and even more that will die of cancer. Are we to believe they are any less important, or loved than Ezra was?

 

like i said, I didn’t want to be a Dick about it. And I already know the kind of responses I will receive from this. You don’t need to bother. I already know I’m an @$$hole and I’m going to hell. You don’t need to remind me. 

some stories just get legs, and some don't. This one did. I am with @eball, no skin off my back. I must say I am a creature of the moment, and was much more emotionally involved in a tribute of some kind in June than I am today, but still looking forward to it.

[plenzmd1]

25 minutes ago, Dablitzkrieg said:

ok hot take here, GOD Bless Ezra.  But...here goes.  This was an over-hyped publicity stunt from the beginning that both the Bills and the NFL used to help the image for the league.  Sorry, but it is what it is.

not saying the Bills did not run with it, bur Kenny and Captain Buffalo and lots of people jumped on the train pushing the Bills to have him up on draft night in 18, once he had been diagnosed. That was not the Bills or the NFL, that was his close, close friends..and friendships that had developed over the last several years. Thats when his story really took off, much like the Purdue kid ..I mean they went and named a gate after him

 

https://www.si.com/college-football/2019/09/07/tyler-trent-student-gate-dedication-purdue

 

Its 2019, things go viral and people get caught up in them..Dalton donations for example. No reason to get mad, it is what is, and is not what it is not..which is a manufactured PR stunt

Edited September 18, 2019 by plenzmd1

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

1 hour ago, StHustle said:

 

I think you are missing the point I was trying to make.

 

As a person who put so much into being a fan that he made national news on several occasions, is laying there in a hospital bed trying to beat cancer, it would have been nice if Bills Hall of Fame legend who recently beat cancer went to visit him or at least made a phone call. To me there is no excuse for not at least calling the guy.

 

Yes there are many super fans. Few rise to the level of a Pancho Billa.

 

There is a reason why the Bills organization built the relationship they did with Ezra. One Jim Kelly , and many of you, seem to fail to recognize.

 

How are any pearls still attached to the necklace with all that clutching?

 

Kelly has zero obligation to anyone outside his family, let alone a complete stranger whose claim to fame is dressing up in a costume at Bills games.

 

Sounds harsh, but it's true.

 

[John Adams]

5 minutes ago, Joe in Winslow said:

 

How are any pearls still attached to the necklace with all that clutching?

 

Kelly has zero obligation to anyone outside his family, let alone a complete stranger whose claim to fame is dressing up in a costume at Bills games.

 

Sounds harsh, but it's true.

 

 

When we agree, Armageddon is upon us. 

[mrags]

4 minutes ago, John Adams said:

 

When we agree, Armageddon is upon us. 

 

10 minutes ago, Joe in Winslow said:

 

How are any pearls still attached to the necklace with all that clutching?

 

Kelly has zero obligation to anyone outside his family, let alone a complete stranger whose claim to fame is dressing up in a costume at Bills games.

 

Sounds harsh, but it's true.

 

Stole my line. Damn it. Back to being negative again for me 

[DrDawkinstein]

43 minutes ago, Dablitzkrieg said:

Does it really matter if you forget me when I'm dead?  I mean, I'm dead right?  Am I supposed to give a *****?

 

 

[ddaryl]

3 hours ago, Seven-N-Nine said:

This guy is hyped way too much IMO.  Sad that he passed, but all the Pancho stuff has been a bit over the top I think.

 

its about the get up, coupled with his unfortunate lot in life.. He had a signature look that stood out. He was a non Buffalonian that had lifetime allegiance to the Bills, and he fought a battle for his life in front of us all.

 

He endured himself to the hearts of Bills fans....   Not hard to understand... but being upset with Kelly for not reaching out is over the top IMO.   

 

I'm a fan of Pancho because he stood out in a positive way while battling a horrible fate. Heck he parlayed his unfortunate death into a pretty large donations to children. he will be missed

Edited September 18, 2019 by ddaryl