Garrett Hartley
Super Bowl Champion Kicker · Football - NFL
New Orleans Saints
Era
Circa 2010 - Post-Super Bowl XLIV era
Item Type
Super Bowl XLIV Commemorative Football
Condition
Good to Very Good. The ink shows slight 'tracing' or separation on the synthetic surface, and the ball has some minor yellow spotting/foxing.
Rarity
Common. Hartley was a frequent signer during his time in New Orleans and participated in many paid signings after the Super Bowl win.
Overall Assessment
A solid, authentic-appearing piece of New Orleans sports history. Ideal for a Saints fan's 'Man Cave' given the direct relevance of the signer to the game printed on the ball.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic. The signature matches the known, simplified large-loop style Hartley adopted for quick signing sessions on bulky memorabilia.
Signature Style
Stylized script; his signature often features a distinct 'G' that looks like a cursive 'T' or 'P' followed by a large M-shape for the surname.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, fluid strokes with high pressure. The first name is shortened to a few loops, and the last name 'Hartley' is reduced to an 'M' or 'W' shaped flourish.
Ink & Medium
Black thick felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie) on a synthetic white football panel.
Item Description
A white-paneled souvenir football commemorating the 2009 NFC Championship game (Saints vs. Vikings, 31-28), which Hartley won with a field goal.
Estimated Value
$40 - $75 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with 'rushed' or 'in-person' examples. Higher-end signed helmets often feature a more legible version, but this fits the standard profile for footballs.
Authentication Tips
Check for the specific loop height of the 'G' and the flow of the 'H' which often merges into a zig-zag line. Authenticated examples usually carry a JSA or PSA sticker.
Certification Recommendation
JSA (James Spence Authentication). They have a strong presence in the South and handle many Saints Super Bowl memorabilia items.
Red Flags
No significant red flags. The slightly shaky ink edges are typical of Sharpie on cheap synthetic football skin rather than a sign of forgery.
Provenance Notes
Likely obtained at a Saints fan event or signing in the Louisiana area. Ticket stubs from a 2010-era fan fest would bolster provenance.
Historical Context
Hartley was the hero of the game printed on this ball, kicking the 40-yard field goal in overtime to send the Saints to their first Super Bowl.
Market Trends
Stable. Interest in the 2009 Saints remains high regionally, though kickers generally have a lower price ceiling than QBs or WRs.
Investment Potential
Low. This is a nostalgic piece for a Saints fan but unlikely to see significant financial appreciation beyond inflation.
Similar Autographs
Drew Brees, Sean Payton, Tracy Porter, or Pierre Thomas signed items from the Super Bowl XLIV season.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a UV-protected acrylic football cube. Avoid high humidity as synthetic white panels are prone to yellowing and 'sticky' degradation.
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.