Pete Abitante was named to the newly created position of vice president-special projects in July 2017. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing planning and managing the NFL’s 100th season celebration.

Abitante served as special assistant to Commissioner Roger Goodell for 11 years. In this capacity, he worked closely with the commissioner on a wide range of league initiatives and projects.

Following an internship at the NFL during the summer of 1977, he was hired full time in 1978 as an assistant in the public relations department. Abitante held a variety of public relations positions, including senior director of international public affairs, in which he was the NFL’s primary contact for international media around the world. He also served as the league’s military liaison and helped lead five USO player tours in the Middle East.

Abitante, a graduate of Washington and Lee University, lives in New Jersey.