WASHINGTON — In the 2004 adaptation of the Marvel Comics superhero “The Punisher,” actor Thomas Jane delivers the line: “This is not vengeance. Revenge is not a valid motive, it’s an emotional response. No, not vengeance. Punishment.”

It is not only the premise of the movie but an apt description of how Redskins fans feel going into this Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots. It was eight years ago, under nearly identical circumstance, that the Pats ran up the score against Joe Gibbs and the Redskins, 52-7, in one of the worst defeats in Redskins history.

How fitting that the Redskins can count the newest actor to depict Frank Castle in “The Punisher,” D.C.-native Jon Bernthal, among their fans. On Friday, Bernthal caught up with Chad Dukes on 106.7 The Fan to describe his lifelong obsession with the burgundy and gold.

“Hey look, I’m ride or die, man, ride or die until the bitter end,” he said with a chuckle. “I grew up in the heyday, so it’s in my blood and always will be. A lot of the cats that I grew up with have since bailed and gone other ways. I won’t do that.

“Even when I’m shooting overseas, I find a way to watch the games. There’s nothing like staying up all night to be miserable, punching holes in the wall. But I’m ride or die. I’m going to be with them forever, you know what I mean?”

A quick audit of Bernthal’s Twitter account (@jonnybernthal) validates his unwavering loyalty to the Redskins and Washington Wizards. Here is a quick recap, co-starring his sons:

For my DC family. Man I miss y'all. Go ahead WIZ show! pic.twitter.com/GWbZne3lTc — Jon Bernthal (@jonnybernthal) April 21, 2014

Me and my man pic.twitter.com/9zRhA9WUtf — Jon Bernthal (@jonnybernthal) July 15, 2013

Lil man talkin over some boxing at the gym with @SeanCarrigan pic.twitter.com/IbTmzfPpV5 — Jon Bernthal (@jonnybernthal) April 23, 2013

My boy dougie Thornell on the daily rundown. Today he plugged snitch. Thanks dougie! Hail to the Redskins!!! pic.twitter.com/M3kxzVNd — Jon Bernthal (@jonnybernthal) February 18, 2013

Discussing his memories of the golden era of Redskins football, Bernthal’s voice became more animated and passionate.

“What people don’t realize is that the franchise has just changed so much,” he expounded. “You can argue, and what I always say to people is, we won in ’83, went in ’84, won in ’87, won in ’92. I mean, there’s only a couple other teams in the history of the league that were that good and had that kind of run.

“And the way that we won! The mentality and culture of those teams. We did it with different quarterbacks too; and unbelievably, historically wonderful linemen; receivers and some of the best linebackers to ever play the game; and great running backs. It was just such a cool franchise.

“Going to games at RFK, there’s just nothing better than that. I’ll be with them forever. And we do have these shining moments and we’ll always hold onto it a little bit. Every now and then a player kind of pops up and reminds me of the old days.”

During Bernthal’s work in the blockbuster movie “The Wolf of Wall Street,” he never worked with fellow Redskins superfan Matthew McConaughey, but articulated his personal and professional admiration.

“McConaughey and I never worked together on that film, but I do know that he’s a fan,” he said. “Any friend of the Redskins is a friend of mine.

“I’ll be rooting for them for the rest of my days.”

Follow Brian Tinsman and 106.7 The Fan.

Check out his full interview below, with news on ‘Walking Dead,’ ‘The Punisher’ and more: