He walked-on to the Nicholls State University football team as a tight end, but was subsequently moved to center.
Pennison signed as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Redskins in 1984, but was cut late in the preseason.
When the USFL folded in 1986, Pennison was signed by the Houston Oilers and went on to start all 16 games during the 1986 season.
Pennison started 5 years on arguably one of the best offensive lines in the 1980s, with Bruce Matthews Hall of Fame Class of 2007, Dean Steinkuhler, Mike Munchak Hall of Fame Class of 2001, Kent Hill 1986–1987, Bruce Davis 1987–1989.
This biographical article relating to an American football offensive lineman born in the 1960s is a stub.