Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate has claimed that he has never heard of Dallas Cowboys defensive back Barry Church ahead of their NFC wildcard round clash.

Church announced this week that he was determined to get payback against Tate for a hit that he put on Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee two years ago when the receiver was a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

Tate told reporters: "Man, I don't know this guy. I just now heard of him yesterday from this incident. He's trying to get on the scene, I guess, so we'll see.

"I think I'm a tough guy who can take a lot of hits. He may try to hit me and hurt himself. You can't hit what you can't catch."

Tate recorded 99 receptions for 1,331 yards along with four touchdowns in the regular season for the Lions.