Sometimes live television takes a turn you just can't predict.
If you’ve been scrolling through social media or catching the Today show recently, you might have noticed something a bit "off" about Craig Melvin’s neck. People started talking. Then they started speculating. Was it a medical issue? A strange injury?
The truth is actually a lot more hilarious—and slightly embarrassing—than the rumors suggested.
The Story Behind the Craig Melvin Neck Tattoo
It all started with a bet. Honestly, that’s how most of these morning show shenanigans begin.
Back in January 2025, Craig Melvin and his co-anchor Savannah Guthrie found themselves on opposite sides of a heated NFL rivalry. Craig, a die-hard fan of the Washington Commanders, was feeling confident. Savannah, a fierce Philadelphia Eagles supporter, wasn't about to back down. They decided to make a wager on the playoff game: the loser had to get a tattoo of the winner’s face on their body.
The Eagles didn't just win; they crushed the Commanders with a 55-23 victory.
On Monday morning, January 27, 2025, it was time to pay the piper. In front of millions of viewers, Al Roker and Carson Daly gleefully applied a massive, temporary tattoo of Savannah Guthrie’s face—complete with an Eagles winter hat—directly onto the back of Craig Melvin's neck.
"This is why we don't gamble, kids!" Craig joked as the ink was pressed onto his skin.
Why people are still searching for it
While the tattoo was temporary, the visual stayed in people's minds. If you missed that specific Monday broadcast but caught a glimpse of Craig in the days following, you would have seen a strange, dark smudge or a face peering out from his collar.
Carson Daly even joked during the segment that these "temporary" tattoos aren't as short-lived as you’d think. He mentioned his own daughter had one that took six months to fully scrub off. For a few weeks, "Craig Melvin neck" became a trending search term because viewers were genuinely confused about what they were seeing during close-up shots.
Debunking the Surgery Rumors
When a public figure has something unusual going on with their neck or throat area, the internet immediately jumps to the most serious conclusion. We’ve seen it with other anchors who have had legitimate health scares, so the concern for Craig wasn't entirely baseless.
However, it's important to be clear: Craig Melvin did not have neck surgery.
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There has been some confusion because his co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie, actually did have a planned medical procedure around the same time. In early 2026, Savannah underwent vocal cord surgery, which kept her off the air for a period. Because the two are so closely linked in the minds of Today viewers, some of that medical news "bled over" into searches for Craig.
Craig's Real Health Focus
While his neck is perfectly fine, Craig has been very vocal about other health issues. He is a major advocate for colorectal cancer awareness. This is deeply personal for him; his brother, Lawrence Meadows, passed away from the disease at just 43 years old.
Craig frequently uses his platform to:
- Urge viewers to get colonoscopies starting at age 45 (or earlier with family history).
- Discuss the higher risks faced by Black men.
- Share his own experiences with "full body scans" and preventative MRIs.
He's a bit of a health nut, actually. He’s shared stories about going to the doctor for even a "lingering cough" because losing his brother made him hyper-aware of his own mortality. But as far as his spine or neck goes? He's in the clear.
The "Earring" Incident
Interestingly, this wasn't the first time Craig's physical appearance caused a stir on the show. A few years back, he showed up with a new piercing.
It wasn't a mid-life crisis. His daughter, Sybil, wanted to get her ears pierced for her fifth birthday but was terrified. Like a total "Girl Dad," Craig agreed to get his own ear pierced alongside her so she wouldn't have to do it alone.
He "took one for the team," as he put it. Between the earring and the neck tattoo, Craig has proven he’s willing to look a little ridiculous if it means supporting his kids or keeping a promise to his colleagues.
Why We Care So Much About Morning News Anchors
There is a weirdly intimate relationship between viewers and morning show hosts. You’re often watching them while you’re in your pajamas, drinking your first cup of coffee. They feel like family.
When Hoda Kotb left the show in early 2025, Craig stepped into the co-lead anchor role. That promotion put him under a much brighter spotlight. Every tilt of the head, every new tie, and certainly every temporary neck tattoo is going to be scrutinized by an audience that feels they know him.
Actionable Insights: What to Remember
If you see something unusual on a news anchor’s neck or face, here is how to find the real story without falling for clickbait:
- Check the Date: Most "scary" health rumors are recycled old clips or based on temporary jokes like Craig's bet.
- Look for the "Why": If it’s a medical issue, NBC is usually very transparent. They did "Save the Date" segments for Al Roker’s surgeries and Savannah’s vocal procedures.
- The "Bet" Factor: If it looks like a tattoo or a weird costume piece, it’s 99% likely a lost bet between anchors.
Craig Melvin remains one of the most relatable faces on TV. Whether he's donating blood to Al Roker or sporting a temporary tattoo of his co-worker's face on his neck, he handles the spotlight with a lot of grace—and a healthy dose of humor.
Next time you see a weird mark on his collar, don't worry about the surgeon. Just assume the Commanders lost another game.
To keep up with the latest actual health updates from the Today team, you can follow their official "Today Health" segments, which often feature the anchors' real-life medical journeys and preventative care tips.