Craig Melvin has learned a valuable lesson—think twice before making a bet, especially when it involves your co-anchor and a tattoo.

The Today show star found himself on the losing end of a friendly wager after his team, the Washington Commanders, failed to defeat Savannah Guthrie’s beloved Philadelphia Eagles. 

As a result, Melvin had to sport a temporary tattoo of Guthrie’s face on the back of his neck for an entire week.

A Bet Gone Wrong

Melvin, 45, took his punishment in stride but made sure to issue a warning to viewers.

“This is why we don’t gamble, kids!” he said during the Monday, Jan. 27, broadcast of Today.

As his co-hosts Carson Daly and Al Roker helped apply the ink, Melvin braced himself for what was about to become his new look—at least temporarily.

A Tattoo That Lasts Longer Than Expected

While the tattoo was meant to be temporary, Daly couldn’t resist teasing Melvin about its potential longevity.

“My 10-year-old daughter wore one of these fake tattoos, and we couldn’t get it off for six months,” Daly joked. “So Craig, if you’re at tubby time tonight and this doesn’t come off easily, don’t worry.”

Despite the playful ribbing from his co-anchors, Melvin took the joke in good spirits.

Savannah Guthrie’s Stamp of Approval

Guthrie, of course, was delighted with the outcome of the bet.

“Oh my God, it looks so good, Craig!” she gushed as she admired the tattoo.

Melvin, unable to see the back of his own neck, quipped, “I wish I could see it.”

Guthrie was quick to remind him, “Don’t worry, you’ll see it on TV!”

More Than Just a Tattoo

The Today team didn’t stop at just the ink. Melvin also received an Eagles jersey with running back Saquon Barkley’s name on the back as a reminder of his team’s crushing defeat.

Barkley played a pivotal role in the Eagles’ victory over the Commanders on Sunday, Jan. 26, scoring the third touchdown in what turned out to be an overwhelming 55-24 win.

Looking Ahead to the Super Bowl

Now, all eyes are on Super Bowl LIX, where the Philadelphia Eagles will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9. Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the highly anticipated halftime show.

This matchup is particularly significant as it marks a rematch between the two teams, who previously faced off in the 2023 Super Bowl. That game was dubbed the “Kelce Bowl” since it featured brothers Jason Kelce (Eagles) and Travis Kelce (Chiefs) competing against each other.

Travis and the Chiefs emerged victorious in that game, but the Eagles are determined to change the narrative this time around.

Lesson Learned

If there’s one takeaway from this whole ordeal, it’s that Craig Melvin likely won’t be making any more bets against the Eagles—at least not anytime soon.

With Guthrie reveling in her win, and Melvin sporting her face on his neck for the next week, it’s safe to say he’ll think twice before making another football wager.

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