Florida QB dropping nickname AR-15 following mass shootings stirs up debate among NFL fans Notifications New User posted their first comment this is comment text Approve Reject & ban Delete Logout

Football should stop using formation names such as shotgun and pistol too - Florida QB dropping nickname AR-15 following mass shootings stirs up debate among NFL fans

Anthony Richardson in action against South Florida. NFL fans have reacted to Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson's decision to stop using the nickname AR-15. The nickname is a combination of his initials and his jersey number, but it is also the name of a specific type of firearm. With gun control being such a big issue in the US, it appears that the Florida quarterback is not comfortable with the nickname. The initials also happen to be the name of his new clothing line. The quarterback released a statement via Pro Football Talk explaining his decision. Richardson wrote: “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. While 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." He continued: "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.” This caught the attention of NFL fans and they were quick to give their thoughts on it. One fan commented and said that teams should stop using gun terms in their formations as well. "Maybe football should stop using formation names such as "shotgun and pistol" too " Maybe football should stop using formation names such as "shotgun and pistol" too Maybe football should stop using formation names such as "shotgun and pistol" too Twitter users' responses were naturally all related to the politics behind the young quarterback's move, with most unopposed to the decision. People in the comments caring more about the nickname change than the issue it relates to says it all. People in the comments caring more about the nickname change than the issue it relates to says it all. High level Self Awareness. Saving himself a ton of needless blowback by doing this, whether people agree or not High level Self Awareness. Saving himself a ton of needless blowback by doing this, whether people agree or not Common Sense Common Sense College Players now more aware than politicians College Players now more aware than politicians Makes sense. He will eventually want brand deals if he makes it to the league and brands would just choose someone else Makes sense. He will eventually want brand deals if he makes it to the league and brands would just choose someone else This is what it looks like to have a conscience and stand up for your beliefs. Bravo to this kid for doing the right thing. This is what it looks like to have a conscience and stand up for your beliefs. Bravo to this kid for doing the right thing. I'm as open to gun reform as anyone you'll ever meet, but c'mon now.... I'm as open to gun reform as anyone you'll ever meet, but c'mon now.... Slow news day… Slow news day… Lame Lame

NFL teams have supported communities affected by shootings

Josh Allen placing flowers at the supermarket shooting. Photo via Buffalo Bills official website. The have a gun buy-back program launched in collaboration with the . The program was launched earlier this year in response to several Memorial Day shootings across the US. Then there was the at a supermarket that claimed ten lives. Bills quarterback Josh Allen placed flowers at a vigil in honor of the victims. Although the US still has a fair way to go with regards to overcoming these shootings, NFL teams continue to bring awareness to the issue. NFL Injuries: Find out about ? Poll : 0 votes Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Thank You! Show More Comments No thanks Delete Cancel Update Reply ❮ ❯ No thanks Delete Cancel Update Reply ❮ ❯ Be the first one to comment on this story More from Sportskeeda Fetching more content... 1 Logout No Results Found