New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) defended his hug with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones during their win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday in the first round of the NFL playoffs.

Christie sparked wide criticism from his opponents for hugging Cowboys owner Jerry Jones when the Cowboys badly defeated the Lions. Christie’s appearance with Jones also drew attention when video of the Cowboys owner appearing to try and avoid a high five with Christie circulated the internet.

“It was pandemonium in there,” Christie told New York’s WFAN on Monday. “It’s difficult to describe the level of intensity in the Jones box during these games, so no, believe me, I’m sitting in Jerry Jones’ box, how do I feel dissed?”

Christie got plenty of criticism for hugging Jones, the latest reminder to everyone that he’s a longtime Cowboys fan and not a fan of the New York Jets or other teams from his region like the Philadelphia Eagles or New York Giants.

“I would take all the abuse that I’m taking from some of these folks in return for Cowboys playoff wins,” Christie said. “Just because I’m governor of New Jersey doesn’t mean I change who I root for.”

On Sunday Christie’s brother Todd ranted on Facebook about all the criticism the governor was getting for rooting for the Cowboys.

“To all of those non Cowboy fans who have their panties in a ringer because the Governor of NJ is a Cowboys fan—GET A LIFE !!!” Todd Christie wrote on Facebook.

Below is a clip of Christie first going in for a high five then hugging Jones:

Back in 2012 Christie also sparked a disproportionate amount of ire for hugging President Barack Obama after securing Hurricane Sandy relief aid.

(H/t: The Hill)