Pete Abitante Awarded Omicron Delta Kappa Pillar of Leadership in Athletics
Omicron Delta Kappa has named Pete Abitante, a 1978 Washington and Lee graduate, the 2026 Pillar of Leadership in Athletics recipient. During 46 years with the NFL, Abitante rose from the Communications Department to special assistant to Commissioner Roger Goodell, contributing to 46 Super Bowls and leading the NFL’s 100th-season celebration. A 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Award of Excellence honoree, he was recognized at W&L’s Wilson Field on Oct. 24.
Lexington, VA, October 29, 2026 --(PR.com)-- Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, is proud to announce Peter “Pete” Abitante as the recipient of the 2026 Pillar of Leadership in Athletics award. A 1978 graduate of Washington and Lee University, Abitante is a longtime sports communications leader whose career with the National Football League spanned 46 years.
Abitante began his NFL career in the Communications Department and rose through the ranks, becoming special assistant to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2017. Over the course of his career, he contributed to 46 Super Bowls, joined five USO tours with players and supported professional football’s international growth. He also oversaw special projects, including the celebration of the NFL’s 100th season in 2019 and the selection of the NFL 100 All-Time Team. His commitment to building relationships with players, coaches, reporters and colleagues helped shape how millions of fans experience the game.
In 2025, the Pro Football Hall of Fame selected Abitante as one of three former public relations directors to receive its Award of Excellence, which honors individuals whose behind-the-scenes work has made a lasting impact on professional football.
The announcement was made by Jennifer L. Waller, Ph.D., O∆K president and chief executive officer. “Pete’s decades of service to the NFL and his unwavering commitment to integrity, relationship-building and the people behind the game embody the spirit of this award,” Waller said. “We are proud to recognize his remarkable career and the lasting impact of his leadership in athletics.”
Abitante was also recognized during a halftime ceremony at Wilson Field on Saturday, Oct. 24, alongside Washington and Lee University’s 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame class. The presentation celebrated his distinguished career in professional football and his contributions to athletics. Photo courtesy of Washington and Lee University.
The Pillar of Leadership in Athletics is bestowed on Omicron Delta Kappa members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in a role supporting athletics or sports, including as a team captain, instructor, coach or trainer. The award recognizes individuals whose professional accomplishments and commitment to service exemplify O∆K values.
About Omicron Delta Kappa
Omicron Delta Kappa Society, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded in Lexington, Virginia, on Dec. 3, 1914. The founders established the O∆K Idea — the belief that individuals representing all phases of collegiate life should collaborate to support their campus and community. O∆K honors and develops leaders and promotes collaboration, inclusivity, integrity, scholarship, and service. The Society is located on more than 300 college and university campuses throughout North America. The Society's national headquarters is located in Lexington, Virginia. For more information about the award and the organization, please visit our website at www.odk.org.
Abitante began his NFL career in the Communications Department and rose through the ranks, becoming special assistant to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2017. Over the course of his career, he contributed to 46 Super Bowls, joined five USO tours with players and supported professional football’s international growth. He also oversaw special projects, including the celebration of the NFL’s 100th season in 2019 and the selection of the NFL 100 All-Time Team. His commitment to building relationships with players, coaches, reporters and colleagues helped shape how millions of fans experience the game.
In 2025, the Pro Football Hall of Fame selected Abitante as one of three former public relations directors to receive its Award of Excellence, which honors individuals whose behind-the-scenes work has made a lasting impact on professional football.
The announcement was made by Jennifer L. Waller, Ph.D., O∆K president and chief executive officer. “Pete’s decades of service to the NFL and his unwavering commitment to integrity, relationship-building and the people behind the game embody the spirit of this award,” Waller said. “We are proud to recognize his remarkable career and the lasting impact of his leadership in athletics.”
Abitante was also recognized during a halftime ceremony at Wilson Field on Saturday, Oct. 24, alongside Washington and Lee University’s 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame class. The presentation celebrated his distinguished career in professional football and his contributions to athletics. Photo courtesy of Washington and Lee University.
The Pillar of Leadership in Athletics is bestowed on Omicron Delta Kappa members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in a role supporting athletics or sports, including as a team captain, instructor, coach or trainer. The award recognizes individuals whose professional accomplishments and commitment to service exemplify O∆K values.
About Omicron Delta Kappa
Omicron Delta Kappa Society, the National Leadership Honor Society, was founded in Lexington, Virginia, on Dec. 3, 1914. The founders established the O∆K Idea — the belief that individuals representing all phases of collegiate life should collaborate to support their campus and community. O∆K honors and develops leaders and promotes collaboration, inclusivity, integrity, scholarship, and service. The Society is located on more than 300 college and university campuses throughout North America. The Society's national headquarters is located in Lexington, Virginia. For more information about the award and the organization, please visit our website at www.odk.org.
Contact
Omicron Delta Kappa
Jennifer L. Waller
(540) 458-5340
www.odk.org
Jennifer L. Waller
(540) 458-5340
www.odk.org
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