This past October, Brett Favre came to Denver and led his Packers to a thrilling overtime victory over the Broncos. As much as the loss stung for local fans, many were buoyed by the fact that they got to witness a classic performance from by one of the greatest players to ever put on cleats. Even though their team lost, they got their money’s worth that Monday night. With Favre now retired, there’s one fewer player in pro sports worthy of laying down hard-earned money to watch him play. Here are the top five draws currently on the field, court or ice: 

5. Derek Jeter / Alex Rodriguez – Sure, this is cheating a bit, but the left side of the Yankees infield comes as a combo deal. A-Rod is one of the best hitters to ever play, something that’s always a joy to watch, while Jeter is as smooth of a shortstop as there is in the game, as well as one of the most clutch athletes of his generation. Factor in the Yankees mystique, something that makes players seem larger than life, and watching this duo on the field is a true treat. 

4. David Beckham – Granted, his inaugural season in the MLS was kind of a joke. Heck, he hardly even played due to one injury after another. Plus, he really burned Rapids fans, as Colorado’s soccer backers snatched up every ticket available for the Galaxy’s appearance in Denver, only to be disappointed when “Becks” sat out the game. But if he does get out on the pitch, watching one of the greatest soccer players in history is a rare treat, one certainly worth shelling out a few bones. 

3. Peyton Manning – Even though his game is maddening, especially to Broncos fans, it’s a virtuoso performance that’s worth watching. Manning’s pre-snap theatrics often get under the skin of opponents, but the way in which he orchestrates the Colts’ offense, picking apart the defense with his mind as much as his arm, is a joy to watch for true football fans. A throwback to the days when quarterbacks called their own plays, Manning is Unitas-esque under center. 

2. Sidney Crosby – There aren’t a lot of hockey players who can get a town buzzing when they arrive, but this phenom certainly fits the bill. When he made his first appearance in Denver earlier this season, it was the talk of the city. While still a kid, this 20-year-old sensation has the weight of the NHL on his shoulders, carrying a torch first lit by Wayne Gretzky and kept aflame by Mario Lemieux. There aren’t a lot of youngster who live up to the hype, but Crosby certainly has so far. 

1. Kobe Bryant – People might not like him due to his off-court antics (see legal troubles in Colorado or the run-in with Shaquille O’Neal), but it’s impossible to argue his greatness on the basketball court. Clearly the best player in the NBA, Bryant does things on the floor that nobody else in the league could even attempt. He seemingly wills his team to victory, often carrying the Lakers on his back. Next to Michael Jordan, he’s the most entertaining hoopster of the past 25 years. 

Have a different opinion? Let the guys at “Drivetime Sports” know this afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Mile High Sports Radio AM 1510 or email them at drivetime@milehighsports.com.