Garrett Hartley

Latest updates New Orleans Saints, Garret Hartley NEW ORLEANS With about a minute to ponder the pressure of the NFC Championship Game and the hopes of a once shattered city resting on his right foot, Saints kicker Garrett Hartley went over to chat with Sean Payton during a timeout.

The veteran coach’s advice was appropriate: Aim for the fleur-de-lis on the facing of the second deck that is centered between the uprights.

And for a player to use the symbol of this franchise and this city as a guide, given the way New Orleans has used the Saints to help them through the destruction and recovery from Hurricane Katrina, was certainly poignant as well.

Hartley’s 40-yard field goal was right down the middle. It gave the Saints a 31-28 overtime victory over the Vikings, sent the franchise to the Super Bowl for the first time ever and inspired more hope in a city that still needs plenty.

“Four years ago, there were holes in this roof,” Payton said of the Superdome. “The fans in this city and this region deserve it. I’m just proud to be a part of it, to be a part of something that’s special. It’s pretty special for the city and it’s well-deserved.”