New Monday Night Football announcer Joe Tessitore credits Anthony Bourdain for helping revive his career

The Ringer

In a profile of "the Frank Sinatra of the broadcast booth," Bryan Curtis explains how Tessitore -- who makes his NFL calling debut tonight -- changed his career trajectory thanks to Bourdain. "Eight years ago, when Tessitore felt his career was stagnating, he paid a visit to Anthony Bourdain’s New York production company," says Curtis. "Tessitore felt Bourdain was a role model. Here was a guy extracting his authentic self and putting it on TV. Watching Bourdain match his words to the pictures, Tessitore said, 'was the moment that all clicked.'" ALSO: New MNF sideline reporter Booger McFarland will work from a raised platform on the field.