Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson said in a statement Sunday that he will no longer use the nickname “AR-15” as part of his personal brand because he does not want to be associated with the semi-automatic rifle of the same name that has been used in mass shootings.
An AR-15 rifle was used in the May shooting of 19 children and two adults at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
“Although the nickname is just a nickname and ‘AR-15’ was simply a representation of my initials combined with my jersey number, it is important to me that my name and brand no longer be associated with the semi-automatic rifle that has been used in mass shootings, which I do not condone in any way, shape or form,” Richardson said in a post on his official website. “My representatives and I are currently working on a rebrand, which includes creating a new logo and switching to simply using ‘AR’ and my name, Anthony Richardson.”
Capitalizing on college athletes’ newfound ability to generate cash from name, image and likeness deals, Richardson launched a clothing line last year that included T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, wristbands and temporary tattoos.
Richardson said it will also discontinue the use of the crosshair logo.
Richardson became a fan favorite and talented playmaker as a freshman at Florida last season.
Despite backing up starting quarterback Emory Jones for most of the season and dealing with a knee injury that sidelined him for the rest of the year, Richardson managed nine total touchdowns — six passing and three rushing.
Jones transferred to Arizona State in the spring, clearing the way for Richardson to become the favorite to start for the Gators this season under new coach Billy Napier.
Richardson, with just one career start, debuted at No. 13 on ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.’s Big Board of Prospects in May.
Florida opens the season Sept. 3 against Utah.
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