Florida’s Anthony Richardson explains dropping ‘AR-15’ nickname: ‘It was pretty much a business decision’

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson talked at SEC Media Times on Wednesday about his selection to length himself from the “AR-15” nickname.

Richardson introduced the rebrand around the weekend. He explained at the time he did not want to be associated with a weapon made use of in mass shootings. He advised reporters he is “just striving to rebrand myself and become a greater individual” and was pondering of the “long term” when he made the conclusion.

“I’m not heading to be equipped to engage in football for the rest of my everyday living,” the Gators quarterback explained. “I experience it was rather substantially a business enterprise conclusion. There’s a good deal likely on and that sort of played a portion in it. Just seeking to recognize like who I am as a person.

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Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson speaks all through NCAA school football Southeastern Conference Media Days, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, in Atlanta. 
(AP Photograph/John Bazemore)

“AR-15 does not necessarily describe who I am. I’m Anthony Richardson and that’s who I’ve been due to the fact I was born.”

Richardson went by “AR-15” due to the fact of the initials in his name and the variety he wears on the football area. He transformed his selection from the 2020 period to the 2021 time. He was No. 2 through his initially yr with Florida and past calendar year he was No. 15.

The original assertion was posted on his website.

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Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson, #15, makes a pass endeavor for the duration of the Florida Spring soccer sport on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Area in Gainesville, FL.
(Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire through Getty Visuals)

“Right after discussions with my relatives and substantially assumed, I have made a decision to no longer use the nickname ‘AR-15’ and the recent attire line symbol, which capabilities a scope reticle, as aspect of my branding. Though a nickname is only a nickname and ‘AR-15’ was only a illustration of my initials put together with my jersey number, it is vital to me that my title and manufacturer are no more time involved with the assault rifle that has been used in mass shootings, which I do not condone in any way or sort,” he wrote on the site. 

“My representatives and I are now working on rebranding, which incorporates the development of a new symbol and transitioning to simply applying ‘AR’ and my title, Anthony Richardson.”

Richardson is getting into his third year at Florida. He performed 7 game titles previous period, experienced 529 passing yards and six landing passes.

Florida will be coming into the 2022 time under new head mentor Billy Napier.

Anthony Richardson, #15 of the Florida Gators, reacts in opposition to the LSU Tigers through a video game at Tiger Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
(Photograph by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Photos)

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Richardson is not a shoo-in to get started the year as the starting quarterback. He is competing with Ohio Condition transfer Jack Miller for the task. 

The Related Push contributed to this report.