Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict has revealed that he will carry a chip on his shoulder throughout his career after not being drafted in the 2012 draft.

The 22-year-old was not selected by any of the 32 teams in last year's draft due to questions over his character on and off the field and signed with the Bengals as a rookie free agent.

However, he became a solid performer for the Bengals last season, as he led the team with 127 tackles.

Burfict told reporters: "That's going to last me throughout my career. I think of that as motivation all day when I'm tired and fatigued.

"Thirty-two teams didn't want me, even the Bengals didn't want me. Sometimes I take my aggression out in practice and coaches get mad at me.

"Like Giovani (Bernard, rookie running back) said, it's making him better and play faster because he's aware that I'm coming."

The Bengals begin their pre-season campaign on Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons.