GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – An Eastern Carolina native has joined the ranks of football’s greatest players.

On Saturday, Carolina Panthers owners David and Nicole Tepper announced Julius Peppers has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“As dynamic as Julius was on the field, he’s even more special as a person and represents the best of the Panthers and the Carolinas,” said the Teppers.

Peppers was born in Wilson and played football for Southern Nash High School.

He played defensive end and linebacker for the Carolina Panthers and retired with the team in 2018.