I currently reside in Memphis, TN where I work for an engineering firm. I obtained my civil engineering degree from the University of Memphis. I am a member of the highland hundred and passionately support the tigers in football and attend almost all their games. Although I am a U of M alum they actually rank second in my rooting interest, albeit a close second.
I grew up on a farm in northern middle TN in the Clarksville/Ft. Campbell area where I developed a strong disdain for the University of Tennessee and became a lifelong Alabama fan, RTR!!! Bama became my preferred team primarily as a result of my Aunt and Uncle who live in the Birmingham area who I spent a good deal of time with during my childhood.
My rooting interests in professional sports are more a result of the players who play/played for them more than the teams themselves. I do not believe that you should necessarily root for a pro team because they are the closest to you, and you most certainly do not have to root for one because they move into your area (Yes, I am speaking specifically about the Titans and Grizzlies).
I love sports and follow most of them but my true love is for College Football and Baseball.