Buffalo Bills offensive linesman Richie Incognito has admitted that he didn't think he would play again following a bullying scandal in 2013.

The 31-year-old was involved in bullying Jonathan Martin, his former teammate at the Miami Dolphins, and made "racial slurs" towards a member of staff.

He didn't play last season, but signed a one-year deal with the Bills two months ago.

He told The AP: "There were a lot of things said and done that I wish I could change. I think I can use this situation to shed light on a sensitive subject, as well as kind of put my best foot forward and show that I have grown and have learned from this situation.

"There were some dark days where I didn't think I was ever going to play again, and it really fueled me to work hard. It really forced me to go back and really look at things and say, 'Is this still important to you? Is this still what you want?' And the answer was always a resounding, 'Yes.' "

Incognito has played in 102 NFL games since his debut in 2005.