05/18/2026
Good Morning, Valley Nation,
It is with a incredibly heavy heart that we share some devastating news. We have just received word from a close source this morning, that a former Class of 2022 star athlete has tragically passed away at the young age of 23.
Ezra Villafranco was a soul who completely lit up the locker room. His passion for football and powerlifting was unmatched, he was truly someone special and the absolute heart of the Purple and Gold Nation.
Out of respect for Ezra and his loved ones, we will not be sharing details regarding the incident, and we ask our community to show the utmost respect and privacy for his family during this unimaginable time.
Ezra, we will miss you deeply. You will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for giving everything you possibly could to your family, your community, and the entire RGV.
This loss hits incredibly close to home for us at Valley Nation. Multiple members of our own VN crew knew Ezra personally, including two who graduated alongside him in that same Class of 2022. We are hurting with you.
Moments like this serve as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change in the blink of an eye. Make every single day, hour, minute, and second count because in life, just like the game, it only takes one turnover to change everything.
Head Coach Dan Gomez once told his athletes during Ezra time, "You are not Promised Tomorrow" therefore we all must live well, love hard, and hold your people close.
Our deepest prayers, thoughts, and blessings go out to the Villafranco family.
Once a Greyhound, Always a Greyhound.
Rest easy, Ezra. 💜💛🪽
