Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Strobel.
Hi Ryan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up in Collin County, I first discovered the DFW Bills Backers around 2012. My father, his family, and even my mother are all from Western New York, so I was raised a Buffalo Bills fan through the late ’80s and early ’90s—yes, during the four consecutive Super Bowl years. The DFW Bills Backers quickly became my home for watching Buffalo Bills games alongside other passionate, like‑minded fans in the metroplex.
During my time with the group, I became close friends with our president, Ezra Castro—known to many as “Pancho Billa.” Back then, our crowd was modest in size, and Ezra would bring a small Bluetooth speaker into the bar so we could celebrate touchdowns with the Shout Song, just like in Orchard Park. I once offered to bring my band’s PA system to replace the little speaker and elevate the energy of our game‑day experience. That gesture was welcomed, and before long I became the group’s unofficial M.C., helping enhance our announcements, raffles, and Shout Song celebrations.
As the DFW area grew, so did our chapter. We eventually outgrew several locations before finally settling into our current home at The Hideaway on Preston Road. Ezra later lost his battle with cancer, but not before a valiant fight and an incredible journey following his beloved Bills across the country and even being called to announce the 2018 draft in Arlington, TX. During his final days, he appointed me as his successor—an honor that continues to guide my commitment to this community.
Much like how Bills Mafia continues to expand here in DFW, 0ur chapter continues to grow and we now have almost 3,000 members in our Facebook group alone, which supports our two official locations, Buffalo Bros in Fort Worth and the Hideaway in Dallas. I remain committed to providing the best possible game-day experience to all of those who join us.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly has not been a smooth road. DFW is huge and with that, a lot of other fans to share your space with. It has been difficult to find a good “home base” for our Dallas chapter. We have been fortunate to find a home at the Hideaway.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Being an official Buffalo Bills Backer location, formally recognized by the Buffalo Bills organization is more than just watching a game with a few friends at your local sports bar. Its about feeling like you are actually at the game, or at least, at a local Buffalo sports bar during gameday. Simply put, my goal is to create the best possible experience for both our loyal DFW Bills Backers and those visiting us. You will not find a better Buffalo Bills gameday experience this side of the metroplex – period! Everyone is welcomed as soon as they walk in the door and nearly everyone knows your name by now! We offer swag raffles nearly every week. You will hear the Shout Song after every touchdown – again, just like you would at a home game in Orchard Park, NY.
A few years ago, I partnered with a local brewery, Hop and Sting, out of Grapevine, and we created a beer essentially brewed for Bills Mafia. This is still in production today!
Over the years we have raised thousands of dollars for numerous local and national charities. Every season we raise funds and resources for children in the month of September such as No Kid Hungry, Sleep In Heavenly Peace, cancer foundations and research in October such as the Susan G Komen Foundation, or Breast Cancer Can Stick It!, local food banks in November such as Minnie’s Foodbank and NTFB, and a big end of year push for Toys for Tots. We also raise funds that support service men and women such as WWP and Warrior’s Keep, and much more! Bills Mafia is known for being loyal and generous and our group certainly shows!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I was lucky enough to find the DFW Bills Backers and become friends with Ezra. In meeting him, he entrusted me with this opportunity. And with that, I continue to deliver on my commitment to both him and Bills Mafia.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dfwbillsbackers.org
- Instagram: dfwbillsbackersdallas
- Facebook: DFW Bills Backers
- Twitter: @DFWBillsBackers
