Rob Gronkowski on SB Brawl: ‘Screw it…I’m throwing some haymakers’

The New England Patriots were able to hold on to their lead against the Seattle Seahawks for the 28-24 win Sunday night. The win, however, did not come without drama as players from both sides engaged in a mini brawl right at the very end.

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski talked about the fight that broke out toward the end of Super Bowl XLIX on the late night ABC hit show, Jimmy Kimmel Live.

When the question first came up, the 25-year-old stated that he did not think he threw any punches. Kimmel then showed Gronkowski footage of the brawl and sure enough, Gronkowski, who wears number 87, threw a few punches.

After seeing the evidence of his actions, Gronkowski replied, "Roger [Goodell] that wasn't me. Don't fine me."

When asked what triggered the fight, Gronkowski stated that he did not hear or say anything that got the Seahawks riled up and added that all he was doing was blocking the opposing team from getting to his quarterback, Tom Brady. Next thing he knew, the Seahawks were pushing harder and shoving. Instead of letting it go, like Goodell would have wanted, Gronkowski retaliated.

"It was the last game of the year, and I was like, 'Screw it, last game of the year, I'm throwing some haymakers,'" he said.

The fight occurred after Patriots rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler intercepted quarterback Russell Wilson's pass at the one-yard line. Without that interception, the Seahawks could have scored a touchdown and get the victory.

With 20 seconds left in the game, the Patriots had possession of the ball and took a knee. At this moment, Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin and Gronkowski started a shoving fight before Patriots guard Ryan Wendell pushed Irvin aside, escalating the brawl.

Irvin, who was ejected, has apologized for his behavior via Twitter. He explained that he was only trying to protect his teammate.

"I was protecting a teammate, emotions flew," Irvin said Sunday night. "I saw somebody hit Mike Bennett, so I went and backed up my brother. I went about it wrong. Emotions were flying high, and I apologize. But if it happened again, I would go protect my teammate. That's just how it is."

Gronkowski made six catches for 68 yards and one touchdown in the Super Bowl.