Actor Josh Charles recently recounted a lighthearted exchange with NFL star Travis Kelce during the filming of Taylor Swift‘s “Fortnight” music video. In an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on January 5, 2024, Charles shared the amusing backstory behind his playful jab at Kelce, whom he described as a “d***” during their encounter.
The interaction took place on set, where both Charles and Kelce made cameo appearances. Charles revealed that his comment stemmed from a previous encounter in which Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs defeated Charles’s Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game. “I’ve always liked Travis Kelce, I thought he was cool, but that year they beat us in the AFC championship game — they beat the Ravens — he was a real jerk that year,” Charles explained.
When Charles confronted Kelce about his past grievances, he noted the tight end’s reaction. The remark elicited laughter from Kelce, who acknowledged the truth in Charles’s words. “He laughed, and he said, ‘You know what, you’re right,’” Charles recalled. This friendly banter highlighted the camaraderie between athletes and entertainers, even when past rivalries are at play.
The conversation then shifted to the significance of that championship game for the Chiefs. Kelce elaborated on the mindset of his team leading up to the match. “He [Kelce] goes, ‘I’m going to tell you why, because we marked down that game against your team as if we could win that game; we were most worried about that game,’” Charles shared. Kelce emphasized the need to approach the game with confidence, describing how he managed to get into the heads of the Ravens, ultimately contributing to their victory.
Charles concluded his remarks by praising Kelce, reaffirming his respect for the athlete, whom he described as “such a good dude.” This exchange not only showcases the lighter side of competitive sports but also illustrates the mutual respect shared among professionals in different fields.
In addition to his interaction with Kelce, Charles appeared in Swift’s music video alongside his Dead Poets Society co-star Ethan Hawke. The two actors portrayed scientists conducting an experiment, with Swift featured in a whimsical scenario in the background. Following the shoot, Charles took to social media to share his excitement about collaborating with the renowned pop star.
This encounter between Charles and Kelce serves as a reminder that behind the competitive nature of sports, there exist moments of humor and connection, bridging the gap between different worlds.
