Gronkowski says Earl Thomas' hit among hardest he's ever taken

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski said he got the wind knocked out of him after getting hit by Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas during Sunday's 31-24 loss.

Thomas leveled Gronkowski in the open field during the second quarter of the contest and the star tight end was slow to get up. However, Gronkowski continued playing without further incident.

Here's a video of Thomas' crushing blow:

"Probably one of the hardest I got hit in my career, for sure ... Good clean hit ... (he's) like a missile," Gronkowski said after the game.

"It was a good, clean hit. I have no problem with it. He hit me fair and square. It's football. You're going to get laid out eventually."

During the final offensive snap of the game, Gronkowski was targeted in the end zone by QB Tom Brady, seeking a game-tying touchdown. Gronkowski collided with Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor as the pass was incomplete and no penalty was called.

The All-Pro tight end hinted that a penalty should've been called, but didn't elaborate further.

"It didn't get called. It is what it is. If it's not a PI by the refs ... you can't change it," Gronkowski said.