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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Bert Askson, a former NFL tight end and defensive lineman whose versatility and perseverance carried him through multiple professional leagues before he found his longest home with the Green Bay Packers, died July 24, 2026, in Houston. He was 80.
Born Dec. 16, 1945, in Houston, Askson starred at Texas Southern University, where he spent four seasons as a starting defensive end, served as a senior co-captain, and studied business administration.
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Askson's combination of size and speed stood out early. The Packers' 1977 media guide described him as one of the fastest tight ends in professional football, noting a 4.6-second 40-yard dash.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Askson in the 14th round of the 1970 NFL Draft, the same draft that yielded future Super Bowl-winning quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Injuries limited Askson's opportunities during an initial trial at linebacker, but he appeared in 11 games for Pittsburgh in 1971 as a reserve defensive end and special teams contributor.
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"My experience in Pittsburgh was very good," Askson said in a 2022 interview. "I never played so far from Houston before and in cold weather. When we played the Packers I made the statement that I’d never go back to Green Bay again. Well, one day I woke up and found myself playing for the Green Bay Packers.
Askson spent 1972 with the Canadian Football League's Ottawa Rough Riders before returning to the NFL in 1973. Askson was a member of the Houston Oilers and later the New Orleans Saints that season, appearing in one game with New Orleans after not seeing game action with Houston.
It was with the Oilers that assistant coach Lew Carpenter converted Askson from defensive end to tight end, a move that reshaped his professional career. When Carpenter joined the Packers' coaching staff, the two were reunited after Green Bay signed Askson as a free agent in May 1975.
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Askson backed up Rich McGeorge at tight end while carving out an important role on special teams. Green Bay credited him with helping the club lead the NFL in punt coverage, including three solo tackles in that phase during the 1976 season.
Although he caught only one pass in his NFL career, Askson made it memorable. On Oct. 3, 1976, he caught a 2-yard touchdown pass from Lynn Dickey against the Detroit Lions. The reception was the only catch — and only touchdown — of his NFL career. It proved to be the decisive score in a 24-14 victory that gave the Packers their first win of the season.
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Askson appeared in 43 NFL games with the Steelers, Saints and Packers between 1971 and 1977 before retiring from professional football. He also played for the New York Stars and Charlotte Hornets of the World Football League during the 1974 season.
After retiring, Askson worked for the Port of Houston.
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