Bert H. Askson, the son of the late Ava and E.C. Driver was born December 16, 1945, in Houston, Texas. As a very young child, he lived with his Aunt and Uncle, the late Tom and Emiley Bailey in Butler, Texas where he began his education at Butler Elementary.
Bert relocated to Houston to live with his parents and he attended Anderson Elementary. He started playing football at Lockett Junior High where he was coached by the late James Green and Oliver Brown. His football career officially started when he attended Kashmere Gardens High School, where he was coached in football by Billie Matthews and played defensive end and slot back. Bert also ran track for Coach Thomas Hendricks and graduated from Kashmere Gardens High School in 1964.
Bert attended Lee College in Baytown, Texas majoring in Landscaping and later enrolled at Texas Southern University majoring in Physical Education with a minor in History. He made the TSU football team as a walk-on player under head coach Clifford Paul.
In 1970, Bert was drafted in the 14th round by the Pittsburg Steelers headed up by Hall of Fame coach Chuck Knoll. Bert was the first player in Kashmere history to enter the National Football League. He would later play for the New Orleans Saints before moving on to the Green Bay Packers and there he was coached by Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr.
During the off-seasons, he served in the US Army Reserves and received an Honorable Medical Discharge. Bert was honored and proud of his service to our great nation. He retired from the NFL after the 1977 season and became employed by the Port of Houston ILA Local 24 until retirement.
He is a member of Central Gardens Missionary Baptist Church pastored by Rev. Gregory L. Cheeks. Bert thanks God for allowing him to share his experience and knowledge as a mentor for young athletes who desire is to pursue a career in professional football.