NFL star commits worst dive in sport

American football is one of the last sports that you’d associate with diving, but that’s probably up for reconsideration when you see the blatant flop from an NFL defensive player.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict etched his name into one of the more unwanted record book of sporting divers after getting away with a theatrical flop against the Baltimore Ravens this morning.

The Ravens had the ball down in the red zone in the first quarter when the cameras picked up a heated exchange between Burfict and fiery Baltimore receiver Steve Smith.

Replays of the incident showed Burfict show his aggressive side by giving Smith another shove just for good measure after knocking him to the ground during the play.

Smith retaliated by slightly tapping Burfict with his helmet as he got back to his feet.

But the big Bengal, who stands at 185cm and weighs in at 112kg, toppled over as if he had been hit with a tonne of bricks.

The referee bought the act and flagged Smith with an unnecessary roughness penalty.

However, Smith and the Ravens gained the ultimate revenge over their AFC north rivals with a 19-14 win.