> At a Glance
> – Josh Charles branded Travis Kelce a “real jerk” after the Chiefs beat the Ravens in the 2024 AFC championship
> – The actor later told Kelce face-to-face: “You were kind of a D-I-C-K”
> – Kelce laughed, agreed, and the two bonded on the set of Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight” video
> – Why it matters: It’s a rare look at how sports rivalries fade when real personalities collide
Josh Charles’ loyalty to the Baltimore Ravens ran so deep that Travis Kelce’s dominant performance in the 2024 AFC title game left a mark. Months later, the two finally met-on a music-video set-and the encounter flipped the script.
The Post-Game Grudge
Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon January 5, Charles recalled how Kelce’s swagger during the Chiefs’ win rubbed him the wrong way.
> Josh Charles said:
> “I’ve always liked Travis Kelce… but that year they beat us… he was a real jerk.”
The 54-year-old actor admitted he’d fallen off the Kelce bandwagon-until fate intervened.
Set Meeting Changed Everything
Charles and Ethan Hawke filmed a lab-scientist cameo for Taylor Swift’s Fortnight video, where Kelce was visiting. Charles seized the moment.
> Josh Charles recounted:
> “When I met him, I said, ‘You know I always liked you, and this year you were kind of a D-I-C-K.'”
Kelce’s reaction disarmed him.
> Josh Charles continued:
> “He laughed, and he said, ‘You know what, you’re right.'”
From Foe to Fan
The pair spent time talking football between takes. Charles walked away impressed.
> Josh Charles concluded:
> “He’s such a good dude. I really like him.”
Despite the Ravens missing the playoffs the night before his interview, Charles’ newfound respect for Kelce remained intact.
Key Takeaways
- A single playoff game can turn fans into temporary critics
- Face-to-face conversations can quickly dissolve sports grudges
- Charles now counts Kelce among the “good dudes” in the NFL
Sometimes the final score fades, but the handshake sticks.
