AJ Green has said that his Cincinnati Bengals teammate Vontaze Burfict has promised not to hit him too hard during the Pro Bowl.

The wide receiver was picked for Team Sanders, while the linebacker, who finished the regular season leading the league in tackles, will play for Team Rice at the all-star game in Hawaii later today.

Green told reporters: "He said he's not going to hit me coming across the middle. We're real-life teammates. He's real great player. One of the best in the business.

"Every time I get on the field, it's time to compete. Look at all the great receivers we have. There's no telling who is going to get the ball.

"The best thing [about the Pro Bowl] is being around all these guys, they're the best. It never gets boring. It's always an honor to play in this game and you can hang out with your family."

Green has reached the Pro Bowl every year since entering the NFL in 2011.