Tracy Porter
Super Bowl XLIV Hero and NFL Cornerback · Football - NFL
New Orleans Saints
Era
Circa 2010 - Post-Super Bowl XLIV
Item Type
Youth Size Commemorative Football
Condition
Good to Very Good. The signatures show slight 'feathering' due to the textured synthetic surface, and the box is heavily worn and damaged. The ball itself appears to have held its shape well.
Rarity
Moderate. Porter signed significantly following his iconic pick-six in Super Bowl XLIV, making his signature available but highly sought after by Saints fans.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential piece of New Orleans sports history. The autograph appears genuine and is placed on a highly relevant item commemorating the team's march to their first championship. Desirable for Saints collectors.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic. The signature matches the flow and specific letter construction of Porter's typical autograph, especially those signed on championship memorabilia immediately following the 2009-2010 season.
Signature Style
Stylized full name with 'Tracy' clearly legible on the top line and 'Porter' abbreviated with jersey number '22' inscribed on the bottom.
Signature Characteristics
Top signature 'Tracy' has an upright T preceding a fluid 'racy'; the bottom signature 'Porter' features a sharp 'P' followed by a loop that transitions directly into his jersey number '22'.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on a white synthetic football panel.
Item Description
A 2009 NFC Champions New Orleans Saints commemorative white-panel football. It features the scores of the championship game (Saints 31, Vikings 28) and the official Saints logo.
Estimated Value
75.00 - 125.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with authenticated Porter signatures from the 2010 Steiner Sports or mounted memories signings. The slant and the numerical '22' align with high-confidence exemplars.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'T' loop and the way he integrates the number 22. Authentic examples show a rapid, fluid motion without hesitation marks on the slick surface of these specific white-panel balls.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. Given the local significance in Louisiana, JSA is often the preferred choice for New Orleans sports memorabilia.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink aging is consistent with the age of the commemorative ball.
Provenance Notes
Value would be enhanced by a 'Certificate of Authenticity' from a Saints fan fest or a regional signing event common in the New Orleans area after 2010.
Historical Context
Tracy Porter is immortalized in NFL history for two specific plays in the 2009-10 playoffs: intercepting Brett Favre in the NFC Championship and his game-sealing 74-yard interception return for a touchdown against Peyton Manning in Super Bowl XLIV.
Market Trends
Stable. Porter remains a 'hometown hero' in New Orleans. While not a Hall of Fame player, his specific contributions to the Saints' only Super Bowl win maintain a floor for his memorabilia value.
Investment Potential
Low to Moderate. It is a great piece for a New Orleans fan cave, but as a youth-sized commemorative ball rather than an 'Official Duke' NFL ball, its ceiling for growth is capped.
Similar Autographs
Drew Brees, Sean Payton, Pierre Thomas, or Reggie Bush (other key members of the 2009 Saints championship team).
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevents the black ink from turning brown or fading. A UV-protected acrylic football display case is recommended over the original damaged cardboard box.
Interesting Facts
Porter's Super Bowl interception is physically commemorated in a statue-like mural inside the Saints' facility; fans often request him to inscribe 'Pick 6' or 'SB XLIV' alongside his name.