Going to the top college football school in the country, having pro teams within the state of Alabama wouldn't normally be a worry on most people's radar. Some sports fanatics, on the other hand, myself included, have always questioned why Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, has never even been considered in receiving major league sports teams.

Therefore, why has it never been proposed? Will the NFL, MLB, NHL, etc. ever contemplate branching out into the deep south of Alabama to expand their programs?

First thing’s first, are these major league teams actually necessary? With Alabama and Auburn being two of the top-ranked football schools consistently, locals have always been content with making the hike to Tuscaloosa or Auburn to watch a football game and let the rivalry continue to fester between the two SEC schools. Meeting Alabama fans or people who have lived here their whole lives, don’t really mind the issue and only really watch the NFL when they want to see the boys they have been watching over the years get drafted and see their progress.

On the contrary, when I wanted to go watch an NFL game this year, the closest games to Tuscaloosa are either in Atlanta to see the Falcons, which is 3 hours, or New Orleans to see the Saints, 4.5 hours. Needless to say, I’m sure it’s a pain for those football junkies who want to do the same. Another issue is, we can’t forget about the other sports besides football.

While down south, especially in Title-town, the only sport that matters is football, I’m sure there are some people who would love to watch Stephen Curry or Bryce Harper play in a live game, rather than having to settle for their TV screens all the time; but don’t get me wrong, we live and breathe college football.

There are pros and cons either way but there is a single factor that truly answers our question. Alabama doesn’t have the money. On one hand we’re not Mississippi, where they have a quality college team (Rebels fans would say otherwise…Roll Tide), pro teams, a large city, or the economic chutzpah; but the state and any of the cities Birmingham, Montgomery or Mobile don’t have the funds to sponsor a team or the facilities to host others.

Currently, Alabama is the most populated state that doesn’t house any pro teams, therefore if fans cross their fingers enough, we may be next in line, yet it’s not looking good. All the surrounding cities teams such as the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Hornets, etc. don’t have high attendance for the games. If this continues, it’s very unlikely Alabama will receive a pro team in the near future.

If people are just aching to get out of collegiate sports, which is not likely when you have the national champions in your backyard, there are the minor league and premier teams around the state, including the Birmingham Barons baseball, Birmingham Bull ice hockey, or AFC Mobile soccer.

Whether sports fans look at it as a good thing, or bad thing there is always room open for discussion, and I’m surprised ESPN or other sports talk shows have not picked up this topic for debate recently. It’s interesting to see people’s views on the matter, yet there is one thing that reigns true and is long lasting in the future, and that’s Nick Saban and Alabama football.

So for now, fans, put a smile on your face, stick to college sports, and keep screaming Roll Tide.