Garrett Hartley
NFL Kicker and Super Bowl XLIV Champion · Football - NFL
New Orleans Saints
Era
Circa 2010 (Post-Super Bowl XLIV victory)
Item Type
Commemorative Souvenir Football
Condition
Good to Fair. The signature is bold but shows slight smudging on the right side. The ball itself appears to have some surface scuffing and is displayed in partial original packaging.
Rarity
Common. Hartley was a frequent signer during the years following the Saints' Super Bowl run, but specific NFC Championship commemorative items are less common than standard logos.
Overall Assessment
A genuine, bold signature from a key franchise hero on a highly relevant souvenir. Ideal for a New Orleans Saints fan cave or regional collector.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic; confidence level 90%. Simple, fluid stroke consistent with public signing events.
Signature Style
Abbreviated name with stylized 'G' and 'H'. The 'G' is a tall loop and the 'M'-shaped 'H' is characteristic of his quick-form signature.
Signature Characteristics
Single-stroke 'G' with high verticality; the surname is reduced to a wide 'M' or 'W' shape typical of a fast, repetitive signing motion. Strong pen pressure throughout.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (Sharpie-style) on white synthetic football leather.
Item Description
A white youth-size souvenir football commemorating the 2009 NFC Championship Game between the New Orleans Saints (31) and Minnesota Vikings (28). Features the Saints fleur-de-lis logo and NFC Championship graphics.
Estimated Value
$30 - $60 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches high-speed exemplars signed during Saints fan events in 2010-2012. Lacks the full-name clarity found on high-end private signing helmets but matches the medium perfectly.
Authentication Tips
Look for the consistent 'M' shape in the last name and a lack of pen hesitation. Professional forgers rarely target kickers, making authentic examples much more prevalent than faked ones.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication) or PSA/DNA. Basic COA tier is sufficient given the item's value.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The ink aging and flow are consistent with the surface material.
Provenance Notes
Likely obtained at a Saints training camp or local fan event in New Orleans following the 2009-2010 season.
Historical Context
Garrett Hartley hit the game-winning field goal in overtime of the game commemorated on this ball (NFC Championship), making him the most appropriate signer for this specific item.
Market Trends
Stable. Interest in the 2009 Saints remains high in the Gulf South region, though values for non-Hall of Fame players like kickers are capped.
Investment Potential
Low. This is a nostalgic piece for a Saints fan rather than a high-growth financial asset.
Similar Autographs
Tracy Porter, Pierre Thomas, or Scott Fujita; other key contributors from the 2009 Saints roster.
Display & Preservation
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the black marker from turning blue/purple. A UV-protected acrylic display case is recommended.
Interesting Facts
Hartley became the first kicker in Super Bowl history to convert three field goals of 40 yards or more in a single game.