Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin, who was ejected with 18 seconds left to play in the New England Patriots’ 28-24 victory in Super Bowl XLIX, apologized Monday for his actions.

Irvin said he was overcome with emotion after seeing teammate Michael Bennett get hit after Patriots quarterback Tom Brady took a knee at his 6-yard line. A shoving match escalated between several players, with game officials tossing Irvin after naming him the instigator.

Irvin took to Twitter to explain his actions:

“I want to apologize to all of the younger kids for my actions last night. I was trying to protect my brother and it got out of hand. … It’s easy to say u would have done different but in the heat of the moment I just reacted when I seen my brother get punched. … Still not an excuse and I’m truly sorry to all the 12’s and my Wvu family for my actions.”

Irvin got in a shoving match with Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, and then he was pushed from behind by Patriots guard Ryan Wendell, escalating the fight from both sides.

“I was protecting a teammate, emotions flew,” Irvin said after the game 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.”