Garrett Hartley
refer to caption
Hartley signs an autograph at the Saints Super Bowl parade in 2010
No. 5, 10
Position:Placekicker
Personal information
Born: (1986-05-16) May 16, 1986 (age 37)
Keller, Texas, U.S.
Height:5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Southlake Carroll
(Southlake, Texas)
College:Oklahoma (2004–2007)
Undrafted:2008
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Field goals made:85
Field goals attempted:104
Field goal %:81.7%
Long field goal:55
Touchbacks:14
Player stats at NFL.com

Garrett Hartley (born May 16, 1986) is a former American football placekicker. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008. Later that year he became the placekicker for the New Orleans Saints, for whom he set an NFL record (now surpassed) for most consecutive successful field goals to start a career, and then became the first kicker in NFL history to convert three field goals of more than 40 yards in the Super Bowl. His Saints won Super Bowl XLIV, beating the Indianapolis Colts. He played college football at Oklahoma.

Hartley has also played for the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Early years

Hartley prepped at Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas, where he was coached by former North Texas coach Todd Dodge.[1][2] He set a state record with 90 extra points in 2002 (surpassed by Carroll Dragon, Kevin Ortega, in 2004 and then another Carroll Dragon, Cade Foster, in 2009). Coming out of Carroll, Hartley was rated as a three-star prospect and the second-best placekicker in the country by Rivals.com.[3]

College career

Hartley began his college career at Oklahoma in 2004. He spent most of his first season redshirted, but after inconsistent play from Trey Dicarlo, head coach Bob Stoops decided to pull Hartley's redshirt and start him.[4][5] He only played in three games during his abbreviated first season and finished 1-for-1 on field goals and 12-for-12 on extra points with his only field goal coming in the 2005 BCS National Championship Game against USC.[6] Hartley struggled during his sophomore year, missing eight of his 22 field goal attempts[7] despite making two field goals from beyond 50 yards.[8] He went 37 of 38 in extra points attempts.[9]

Hartley broke out during his junior season going 19-for-20 in field goals and 49-for-50 in extra points.[10] Hartley's .950 field goal percentage was among the highest during the season[11] and earned him a nomination for the Lou Groza Award which goes to the nation's best placekicker. Hartley's only miss of the season came during a controversial loss to Oregon when a 44-yard kick was blocked after Hartley had already successfully made four field goals.[8] Hartley's senior season did not quite match the level of performance of the year before. He finished going 13-for-15 in field goals and 71-for-77 in extra points.[12]

Professional career

Denver Broncos

Hartley was not drafted during the 2008 NFL draft but he signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos.[13] However, he was released on July 21 just before the start of training camp.[14]

New Orleans Saints

Hartley on November 16, 2008, in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs

Hartley was signed by the New Orleans Saints on October 29, 2008, to replace Taylor Mehlhaff, who was released.[15] He played in his first game on November 9, 2008, against the Atlanta Falcons. Hartley came out strong, booting 13 for 13 field goal attempts for the 2008 season.[16] He was expected to be the Saints starting kicker for the 2009 season. However, Hartley was given a 4-game suspension after testing positive for a banned stimulant, Adderall.[17]

Hartley remained inactive (while longtime Saints kicker John Carney handled the kicking duties) until the Saints' twelfth game of the season, against the Washington Redskins. Hartley then kicked four field goals, including the game winning kick in overtime that allowed the Saints to preserve their undefeated record.[18] He missed the first field goal of his professional career in this game, from 58 yards. He held the NFL record for most consecutive field goals made to start a career, with 16 until the record was broken in 2012 by Kai Forbath of the Washington Redskins.[19] On January 24, 2010, he made a 40-yard field goal in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship to send the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl.[20][21] He continued in Super Bowl XLIV, going 3-for-3 with field goals of 46, 44, and 47 yards in the 31–17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.[22] He became the first kicker in Super Bowl history to convert three field goals of 40 yards or more.[23]

The 2010 season began erratically for Hartley. He missed two field goal attempts in the Saints' Week 1 home win over the Minnesota Vikings.[24] He later made three field goals despite windy conditions in a Week 2 win on the road against the San Francisco 49ers.[25] In a Week 3 match with the Atlanta Falcons, he made a last-second field goal to send the game into overtime, but then missed a 29-yard field goal attempt in overtime that would have won the game.[26] In response, the Saints re-signed John Carney,[27] and Hartley was inactive for the next two games. With injuries mounting at other positions, however, the Saints decided not to continue carrying two kickers, cutting Carney and returning Hartley to his starting position.[28] In the 2010 season, Hartley converted all 40 extra point attempts and 20 of 25 field goal attempts in 14 games.[29]

Hartley missed the entire 2011 season after injuring his hip during a preseason game.[30] He was replaced by veteran John Kasay.[31] He returned as the Saints' kicker in 2012 and 2013 season, but struggled with intermittent bouts of inconsistency. In the 2012 season, he converted all 57 extra point attempts and 18 of 22 of field goal attempts.[32] After he missed two field goals against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, December 15, 2013, one of which was attempted from only 26 yards,[33] he was released by the Saints on December 17, 2013, and replaced by veteran kicker Shayne Graham the same day.[34] In the 2013 season, Hartley converted all 41 extra point attempts and 22 of 30 field goal attempts.[35]

Cleveland Browns

On December 13, 2014, Hartley was signed by the Cleveland Browns to replace Billy Cundiff, who had injured his knee.[36] He was active as the Browns' placekicker for their next game, against Cincinnati, but he did not actually have an opportunity to play in the game, because the opening kickoff was handled by Browns punter Spencer Lanning and the Browns never had another kicking opportunity as they failed to score (or even to attempt a field goal) in a 30–0 loss.[37]

Hartley was waived by the Browns on March 11, 2015.[38]

Pittsburgh Steelers

On August 11, 2015, Hartley was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers to replace Shaun Suisham, who had torn his ACL.[39] On August 29, 2015, Hartley suffered a pulled hamstring during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.[40]

Hartley kicking for the Pirates in the 2021 IFL semifinal against the Frisco Fighters.

On August 31, 2015, Hartley was placed on injured reserve.[41] On October 13, he was released by the Steelers.[42]

Seattle Dragons

Hartley signed with the Seattle Dragons of the XFL on January 24, 2020. He was waived on January 28 after failing to receive medical clearance, as he has an artificial disk in his neck and not a fusion.[43][44][45]

Massachusetts Pirates

On September 3, 2021, it was announced that Hartley signed with the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League two days before their playoff semifinal game against the Frisco Fighters.[46]

In the United Bowl on September 12, Hartley kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime, securing the Pirates' 37–34 win over the Arizona Rattlers and winning them their first league title in franchise history.[47]

On January 17, 2022, Hartley was released by the Pirates.[48]

References

  1. ^ "Notebook: Southlake Carroll's Garrett Hartley a Super Bowl legend". Dallas News. July 30, 2010. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  2. ^ "Former Carroll kicker Hartley makes most of chance with Saints". Dallas News. February 6, 2010. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  3. ^ "Garrett Hartley, 2004 Kicker, Oklahoma". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  4. ^ Tramel, Berry (November 21, 2004). "Losing his redshirt year works for Hartley". The Oklahoman. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  5. ^ Hale, James (November 24, 2004). "Two Minute Drill: Garrett Hartley". Sooners Illustrated. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
  6. ^ "Garrett Hartley 2004 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  7. ^ Duarte, Joseph (August 17, 2006). "OU hands off to Thompson: senior takes deep breath, returns to QB for Sooners". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
  8. ^ a b Helsley, John (December 7, 2006). "Hard work paying off for Hartley". The Daily Oklahoman. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
  9. ^ "Garrett Hartley 2005 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  10. ^ "Garrett Hartley 2006 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  11. ^ "Bowl Subdivision (FBS) National Player Report – Field Goals". NCAA.org. Archived from the original on November 19, 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
  12. ^ "Garrett Hartley 2007 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  13. ^ "2008 NFL Draft -- Denver Signs 7 Undrafted Free Agents". Mile High Report. April 28, 2008. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  14. ^ Bena, John (July 21, 2008). "Broncos Release Mike Bell and Garrett Hartley". Mile High Report. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  15. ^ "Saints try fixing kicking game with new K, P". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 30, 2008. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  16. ^ "Garrett Hartley 2008 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  17. ^ Allee-Walsh, Brian (August 25, 2009). "It's official: New Orleans Saints kicker Garrett Hartley has been suspended for first four games". NOLA.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  18. ^ Handwerger, Bradley (December 10, 2009). "Saints kicker Hartley makes most of opportunity". WWLTV. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  19. ^ "Kai Forbath sets NFL record for field goals to start career". NFL.com. December 23, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  20. ^ "NFC Championship - Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints - January 24th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  21. ^ Hendrix, John J. (August 1, 2018). "Where were you when Garrett Hartley sent the Saints to the Super Bowl?". Canal Street Chronicles. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  22. ^ "Super Bowl XLIV - New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts - February 7th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  23. ^ Vacchiano, Ralph (February 8, 2010). "New Orleans Saints kicker Garrett Hartley makes three field goals, helps boot Indianapolis Colts". New York Daily News. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  24. ^ "Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints - September 9th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  25. ^ "New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers - September 20th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  26. ^ "Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints - September 26th, 2010". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  27. ^ Wood, Skip (September 30, 2010). "ESPN: John Carney to kick Sunday for New Orleans Saints". USATODAY.COM. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  28. ^ Hogan, Nakia (October 13, 2010). "New Orleans Saints cut kicker John Carney". NOLA.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  29. ^ "Garrett Hartley 2010 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  30. ^ Rosenthal, Gregg (September 27, 2011). "Garrett Hartley will miss the season". NBC Sports. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  31. ^ Smith, Jimmy (September 28, 2011). "New Orleans Saints put PK Garrett Hartley on injured reserve and make other moves". NOLA.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  32. ^ "Garrett Hartley 2012 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  33. ^ "New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams – December 15th, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  34. ^ Terrell, Katherine (December 18, 2013). "New Orleans Saints waive kicker Garrett Hartley". NOLA.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  35. ^ "Garrett Hartley 2013 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  36. ^ McManamon, Pat (December 13, 2014). "Browns waive kicker Cundiff, sign Hartley". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  37. ^ Warsinskey, Tim (December 15, 2014). "Joe Haden, Justin Gilbert injured in loss to Cincinnati Bengals: Cleveland Browns Quick Hits". cleveland.com. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  38. ^ Cabot, Mary Kay (May 12, 2015). "Browns sign 6th-rounder Charles Gaines, waive kicker Garrett Hartley and add 8 from rookie camp". cleveland.com. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  39. ^ Bouda, Nate (August 11, 2015). "Steelers Sign Veteran K Garrett Hartley". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
  40. ^ "Injuries: Garrett Hartley suffers hamstring injury". NFL.com. August 30, 2015. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  41. ^ Carter, Christopher (August 31, 2015). "Injury Report: OT Mike Adams to 6 week PUP list, Hartley and Golson to injured reserve". Behind the Steel Curtain. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  42. ^ Bryan, Dave (October 14, 2015). "Steelers Release K Garrett Hartley From Reserve/Injured List". Steelers Depot. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  43. ^ "XFL Transactions". XFL.com. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  44. ^ Sigler, John (January 29, 2020). "Former Saints kicker Garrett Hartley waived by XFL's Seattle Dragons". USAToday.com. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  45. ^ Nelson, Mark (January 31, 2020). "Kicker Garrett Hartley's XFL Dream Derailed". XFLBoard.com. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  46. ^ "Pirates Sign Former Super Bowl Champ Hartley". OurSports Central. September 4, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  47. ^ "The Pirates Defeat the Rattlers, 37–34, In Overtime To Claim 2021 United Bowl". GoIFI.com. September 12, 2021. Retrieved September 12, 2021.
  48. ^ "Transactions". GoIFI.com. January 17, 2022. Retrieved April 25, 2022.

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