New Orleans Saints’ kicker and Super Bowl champion Garrett Hartley will be back in Norman this weekend to sign autographs and meet with fans at the Wal-Mart on W. Main St. on Sunday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The Daily’s Aaron Colen caught up with him to talk about his pro career and adversity, and how his time as a Sooner prepared him for success.

Q: What is the purpose of your visit to Norman?

HARTLEY: I just want to reach out to the fans in Norman. They’ve helped me in my career. It’s good to give back and shake a few hands and sign a few autographs.

Q: How does it feel to come back after achieving so much success already in the NFL?

HARTLEY: It’s funny, it seems like it’s kind of been expected of me, after playing in the national championship and all these Big 12 games it just seemed natural to follow that up in the pros.

Q: Can you talk about the adversity you’ve faced, and what it means to have overcome that?

HARTLEY: After being released and not even invited to the combine, I just need a team to give me a chance. Personally, it has been a roller coaster for me this season after being suspended, I just had to bounce back and it has made me more of a professional.

Q: How have your experiences in the NFL helped you so far in your career?

HARTLEY: At OU, every time we took the field there were 85,000 people in the stands. So in the NFL, playing in front of big crowds wasn’t new. Having that pressure molded me for the NFL.

Q: What was it like competing against a couple of former Sooners in the NFC Championship game?

HARTLEY: It’s always fun competing against friends. There aren’t really any bragging rights, though. Adrian Peterson messaged me after the game.

Q: Is there a connection between the OU players in the NFL?

HARTLEY: Whenever we play different teams you keep up with your friends who are playing. Everyone has a different story about how they got to where they are, and it is good to share that.

Q: How do you feel about the struggles the OU football team has had recently?

HARTLEY: Obviously I want the OU football program to succeed, but it is going to be different from year to year. It doesn’t mean the players aren’t as talented.

Q: What advice would you give to the players for next year?

HARTLEY: I would just say they have to have a new attitude and perspective. They have to learn that nothing is given, but it is earned. They have overwhelming talent, they just need to come together as a team.