George Whited
Canada
George Whited, a lifelong Vikings fan from Windsor, Ontario, has been a dedicated supporter of the team for as long as he can remember. His passion for the Vikings began in his childhood, inspired by his father, who became a fan during the "Purple People Eater" era of the 1970s. Tragically, George's father passed away in 1992 when George was just 17, and since then, George has made it his mission to continue the tradition of being a loyal, lifelong Vikings fan—a legacy that his father instilled in him from a young age. This love for the team has become something that George shares with his wife and three daughters, making the Vikings a cherished part of their family life.
Professionally, George is a highly respected machining manager in the tool and mold industry, a position he has held for 23 years. His dedication to his work and his exceptional skills have made him a valuable member of his team. Outside of work, George is a passionate cook who loves entertaining, especially during football season. A few years ago, he came up with the idea of "Eating the Competition," where he researches the signature foods of the Vikings' weekly opponents and cooks those dishes for his family and friends. This tradition has become a beloved weekly event, adding to the excitement of game days.
Over the years, George's commitment to the Vikings has taken him on several unforgettable trips. He has visited Minneapolis four times to watch the Vikings play: once at the Metrodome in 2006, again at the University of Minnesota in 2015, at the legendary Minneapolis Miracle game in 2018, and for the season opener at US Bank Stadium in 2019. The Minneapolis Miracle, where Stefon Diggs caught the unforgettable pass to win the game, was a particularly emotional moment for George, who couldn't believe he was there to witness such an incredible event. He describes the atmosphere at US Bank Stadium as electric, and it remains one of the most memorable moments of his life.
George's Vikings fandom has also taken him to several Lions/Vikings games in Detroit, including the 2016 Thanksgiving game, where he and his wife were given field passes and had the opportunity to meet some of the players. In October 2024, George and his wife traveled to London to watch the Vikings play, adding yet another unforgettable chapter to their Vikings' journey.
Among his favorite memories of the team, George cites Randy Moss' rookie season in 1998, and Brett Favre's game-winning touchdown pass to Greg Lewis in 2009 as highlights that will always stay with him.
George Whited is not only a dedicated Vikings fan, but also a loving husband, father, and hard-working professional. His love for the team, his family, and his community shines through in everything he does. His passion for the Vikings is truly a part of who he is, and he is most deserving of the title of Vikings International Fan of the Year.