It's no secret that Bills fans are the best fans in the National Football League and this year during the 2018 NFL Draft, Buffalo will be well-represented. As part of a new NFL initiative called the "Inner Circle," the Bills, along with each of the league's other 31 teams, will have 50 dedicated fans present at the draft for an exclusive on-the-field experience. There to support their respective teams, the fans will watch all the action unfold directly in front of the NFL Draft Theater on the home field of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. For the Bills, the "Inner Circle" is special for many reasons. Not only does it give those selected a unique platform to showcase their team pride, it's a chance for Bills fans everywhere to rally behind one of their own.
Commonly referred to as "Pancho Billa," Ezra Castro, a lifelong Bills fan and President of the Dallas-Fort Worth Bills Backers chapter, has been courageously battling cancer since last fall. One of the most iconic and recognizable Bills fans, Castro, a Texas native, manages to travel to a handful of Bills games each season and in doing so has gained quite a following. After learning of his diagnosis, Bills faithful from around the country have taken to social media to offer their support, using #PanchoPower to inspire others to get involved.
Despite the circumstances, Castro's upbeat personality and positive attitude have not wavered, nor has his commitment to his beloved Bills. Invited by Buffalo to the "Inner Circle," Castro was also given the opportunity to choose each of the remaining 49 fans that will line this section on Days 1 and 2 of the NFL Draft. Ecstatic to attend the big event, Castro and his crew will be donning Bills t-shirts that say "Pancho Power" on the sleeve. When the Bills are on the clock, the group will be further highlighted by team-provided foam fingers and NFL given LED lanyards that will light up with Bills colors.
In addition to Buffalo's "Inner Circle" representation, Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Reed and longtime running back Fred Jackson will also be in attendance. The popular former Bills players will each have the chance to announce some of Buffalo's draft picks. Reed, an NFL Legend, will take the stage during the second round, while Jackson, a former Bills Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee, will handle third round duties.
Back in Western New York, the Bills will take to Niagara Falls for Draft Day 3. On-site before one of the world's natural wonders, the Bills, accompanied by Bills Legend Thurman Thomas, will make their selections for the fourth and fifth rounds. Kids from local NFL Flag Football teams will be announcing the Bills' sixth round selection. The Draft Day 3 fun will be streamed live on Buffalobills.com and on NFL.com, with a select number of picks from around the league featured on the NFL Network Draft programming.
The 2018 NFL Draft will kick off on Thursday, April 26 at 8 p.m. ET and conclude on Saturday, April 28.
