​Professional athletes can only play for the team that is closest to their place of birth

So, for example, if you’re born near Cleveland and you want to try out for professional football, you have to try out for the browns. That’s your only option. That way, the home team truly represents the people of that area. When you cheer for your home team, you are truly cheering for the people of your home town (or at least those who were born close enough to qualify)