For the last couple of seasons, Florida Gators football fans have been enamored by the star potential of quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Early in his playing days in The Swamp, Richardson garnered the nickname “AR-15” from adoring Gators fans.
The moniker, which is shared by a popular gun, was a play on words that included his first and last initials alongside his #15 jersey number.
Richardson, who initially embraced the nickname to the point that he used to brand his own apparel line, has decided that he needs to leave it in his past before the start of the 2022 college football season.
Richardson announced his decision to ditch “AR-15” on social media on Sunday, July 17.
The note, which was posted on Twitter, said:
Anthony Richardson’s Statement on AR-15
“After discussions with my family and much thought, I have decided to no longer user the nickname “AR-15” and the current apparel line logo, which features a scope reticle as part of my branding. While 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 transitioning to simply using “AR” and my name, Anthony Richardson.”
You can see the Tweet here:
The AR-15 branding was prominent on Anthony Richardson’s apparel line and personal branding.
Here’s a look at the logo, as well as Richardson modeling clothing that featured the soon-to-be altered imagery.
SEC Y'ALL 