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 declared the rebrand more than the weekend. He claimed at the time he did not want to be related with a weapon utilized in mass shootings. He instructed reporters he is “just making an attempt to rebrand myself and turn into a superior human being” and was pondering of the “potential” when he manufactured the determination.

“I’m not likely to be capable to engage in football for the rest of my everyday living,” the Gators quarterback stated. “I really feel it was quite a great deal a business decision. There is a whole lot likely on and that variety of performed a component in it. Just hoping to have an understanding of like who I am as a individual.

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“AR-15 does not necessarily explain who I am. I’m Anthony Richardson and that is who I’ve been since I was born.”

Richardson went by “AR-15” mainly because of the initials in his identify and the selection he wears on the soccer discipline. He improved his range from the 2020 period to the 2021 time. He was No. 2 in the course of his initial year with Florida and very last 12 months he was No. 15.

The initial assertion was posted on his web site.

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“Soon after discussions with my family and considerably believed, I have determined to no for a longer period use the nickname ‘AR-15’ and the existing attire line emblem, which functions a scope reticle, as portion of my branding. When a nickname is only a nickname and ‘AR-15’ was merely a representation of my initials put together with my jersey number, it is important to me that my identify and brand name are no longer involved with the assault rifle that has been utilized in mass shootings, which I do not condone in any way or kind,” he wrote on the site. 

“My reps and I are now doing work on rebranding, which consists of the generation of a new symbol and transitioning to merely utilizing ‘AR’ and my name, Anthony Richardson.”

Richardson is moving into his 3rd year at Florida. He played 7 games previous period, had 529 passing yards and 6 landing passes.

Florida will be entering the 2022 period less than new head mentor Billy Napier.

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Richardson is not a shoo-in to start off the 12 months as the starting quarterback. He is competing with Ohio Point out transfer Jack Miller for the career. 

The Linked Press contributed to this report.