Florida QB Anthony Richardson Drops ‘AR-15’ Nickname Following Mass Shootings

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson announced on Sunday that he will no longer go by the nickname “AR-15” or use it for branding purposes.

The moniker, which combines his initials and jersey number, is also the name of the assault rifle used in mass shootings including the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 19 children and two teachers in May.

The Gators quarterback released a statement explaining his decision.

“After discussions with my family and much thought, I have decided to no longer use the nickname ‘AR-15’ and the current apparel line logo, which features a scope reticle, as part of my branding,” the statement read. “White a nickname is only 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 are no longer associated with the assault rifle that has been used in mass shootings, which I do not condone in any way or form. My representatives and I are currently working on rebranding, which includes the creation of a new logo and transition to simply using ‘AR’ and my name, Anthony Richardson.”

Richardson, who is going into his redshirt sophomore season, backed up starter Emory Jones last year. Despite playing off the bench and dealing with a knee injury late in the season, Richardson contributed by throwing for six passing touchdowns and adding three more on the ground. Richardson is expected to take over starting duties for the Gators as Jones transferred to Arizona State earlier this year.