Greg Papa, 'Voice of the 49ers,' Diagnosed with Cancer
BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA, AUG 1 – Greg Papa, 62, is focusing on cancer treatment after stepping away from his 49ers radio broadcasts where he has been the voice since 2019, KNBR announced.
- Greg Papa, 62, who has been the radio broadcaster for the San Francisco 49ers starting in 2019, revealed on August 1, 2025, that he is taking a break from his broadcasting duties after being diagnosed with cancer.
- Papa disclosed his diagnosis and decision to focus fully on treatment through a statement read on-air by KNBR program director Mike Hohler at the start of his regular show on Friday morning.
- Papa has been a prominent presence in Bay Area sports broadcasting for almost 40 years, providing play-by-play commentary for five major local teams and co-hosting a midday show with Greg Silver on KNBR.
- Papa announced he will be taking a break from hosting his broadcasts as he focuses on his health, expressing optimism about coming back in the near future. Meanwhile, Silver expressed gratitude for the fans' support and confirmed that the program will continue with various guest co-hosts during Papa’s hiatus.
- The 49ers and KNBR expressed unwavering support for Papa, wishing him a full recovery and looking forward to his return, highlighting his significant contributions to Bay Area sports broadcasting.
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49ers will mix and match radio play-by-play while Papa’s away
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers will play mix-and-match with their radio play-by-play announcers while lead broadcaster Greg Papa recovers from cancer. The following announcers will work alongside analyst Tim Ryan on 49ers outlets (KNBR-680 and 104.5 FM, KSAN 107.7 The Bone, KSFO-810 AM) when the regular season begins Sept. 7 on the road against the Seattle Seahawks. With announcers beholden to their own schedules with other duties, five were identified…
San Francisco 49ers broadcaster steps away from role after cancer diagnosis
SAN FRANCISCO 49ers announcer Greg Papa has revealed he will step away from the broadcasting booth immediately after being diagnosed with cancer. Papa, 62, has been the voice of the 49ers since 2019 and was behind the mic for both of the team’s recent Super Bowl appearances. Greg Papa confirmed he’d been forced out due to the sudden cancer diagnosis He’s also a weekday host at KNBR radio when not fulfilling his duties with the 49ers. In a heartf…
49ers Radio Announcer Greg Papa Diagnosed With Cancer, Is ‘Stepping Away’ From Broadcasts for Now
The voice of the 49ers and former longtime voice of the Raiders Greg Papa announced Friday that he’s being treated for cancer, and will not be calling 49ers games anytime soon, but hopes to return to the booth.When longtime Oakland Raiders radio announcer Greg Papa switched to being the San Francisco 49ers radio announcer in 2019 after the Raiders left town, we wondered if his signature “Touchdown, Rrrrraiders!” call would transfer as well to hi…
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