Craig Melvin is probably going to think twice the next time he makes a bet.
That’s because for the next week, the Today show star is going to be rocking a tattoo of co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s face on the back of his neck, after losing a wager that his favorite football team (the Washington Commanders) would be triumphant over Guthrie’s (the Philadelphia Eagles).
“This is why we don’t gamble, kids!” Melvin, 45, said on the NBC morning news show on Monday, Jan. 27, moments before Carson Daly and Al Roker helped apply the ink.
Luckily for Melvin, the tattoo is just temporary — though Daly admitted the product lasts a little longer than one would think. “My 10-year-old daughter wore one of these fake tattoos, and we couldn’t get it off for 6 months. So Craig, if you’re at tubby time tonight and this doesn’t come off easily, don’t worry,” he joked.
As for the ink itself, it got Guthrie’s stamp of approval.
“Oh my God, it looks so good, Craig,” she gushed of the image, which was snapped as she held up an Eagles logo and wore an Eagles winter cap.
“I wish I could see it,” Melvin joked, as Guthrie reminded him, “Don’t worry, you’ll see it on TV!”
Melvin, who took over the co-anchor mantle when Hoda Kotb departed earlier this month, was also given an Eagles jersey with running back Saquon Barkley’s name on the back.
Barkley was instrumental in the Eagles’ victory on Sunday, Jan. 26, scoring the third touchdown of NFC Championship game. The team eventually won 55 to 24.
Now it all comes down to Super Bowl LIX, where the Eagles will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Big Game takes place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, with Kendrick Lamar headlining the halftime show.
The Eagles and Chiefs last met in the Super Bowl in 2023 when brothers Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce competed with their respective teams. The game was dubbed “the Kelce Bowl” by fans.
Travis and the Chiefs pulled out the win that time, so the Eagles are no doubt hoping for a different outcome.
At least one thing is guaranteed: Melvin won’t be betting against them.
Today airs weekday (beginning at 7 a.m. ET) on NBC.
