For his ability to lead game-winning drives, for his Walter Payton Award as the best player in the FCS, and because he brought the most positive sports attention to Delaware County in 2014, Villanova quarterback John Robertson is the Daily Times Sports Figure of the Year.

He becomes the fifth Villanova sports figure since 1996 to win the award, and the third from the Villanova football program, joining Andy Talley (2009) and Matt Szczur (2010).

“I think it is a great experience,” Robertson said. “Getting your name out there with the great people who have won the award in the past is humbling. To have your name included with those people, it is just a great honor.”

The previous winners:

1996: Kate Fonshell, Penncrest High, Villanova, track

1997: John Mobley, Chichester High, football

1998: Bo Ryan, Chester High, basketball

1999: Pat Croce, Lansdowne-Aldan High, basketball

1999: Leroy Burrell, Penn Wood High, Sports Figure of the Millennium, track

2000: Emily deRiel, Haverford High, pentathlon

2001: Brendan Hansen, Haverford High, swimming

2002: Mike Scioscia, Springfield High, baseball

2003: Harry Perretta, Monsignor Bonner High, Villanova, basketball

2004: Brendan Hansen, Haverford High, swimming

2005: Kevin Clancy, Strath Haven High, football

2006: Vince Papale, Interboro High, football

2007: Dan Connor, Strath Haven High, football

2008: Fred Pickett, Chester High, basketball

2009: Andy Talley, Haverford High, Villanova, football

2010: Matt Szczur, Villanova, football, baseball

2011: Philadelphia Union, Chester, soccer

2012: Larry Yarbray, Chester High, basketball

2013: Merion Golf Club, Haverford, golf
2014: John Robertson, Villanova, football