Edward Pennington is a man known for many significant things. He is a trailblazing African-American in local government, he currently serves on the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors, representing District 5, and he has a good reputation in the community as someone who has helped improve the area.

But anyone who knows him well also knows him by his allegiance in athletics.

“I’ve been pulling for the Vikings for a long time,” he said, referring to his favorite NFL team for the last 46 years.

He had two pro football teams he liked originally — the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.

After Bart Starr and his co-stars left, Pennington decided to plant his flag as a Vikings fan and keep it there.

“I said, ‘Look, eventually, we’re going to have to win a Super Bowl,’” he said.

He notes the Vikings have had some great players down through history, like Francis Tarkenton, Chuck Foreman and the players making up an outstanding defensive line that were known as the Purple People Eaters from the late 1960s to the late 1970s.

“All this time, I’ve been waiting patiently,” Pennington said. “I think if I continue to wait, they may have to draft me to come out there to win a Super Bowl for them.”

Friends and family know a good gift for him is a Vikings-themed gift. He has received many, including a little toy dog wearing a Vikings jersey that dances, a toy car and a specialty Vikings football.

And it turns out there is a golden and purple theme in his favorite teams.

“You have the school colors for Lunenburg County — they’re gold and purple,” he said. “You have the Los Angeles Lakers — the same color, and the Vikings.”

Minnesota (5-0) is the last undefeated team left in the NFL this season. Pennington is excited, but emphasizes, “Win or lose, I’m a diehard Viking.”