The San Francisco 49ers announced on Wednesday that Big Ten Network and FS1 play-by-play announcer Guy Haberman will fill in for longtime radio voice Greg Papa for the preseason.
Papa, 62, revealed just days ago via KNBR and his own social media that he would be stepping away indefinitely to focus on treatment after being diagnosed with cancer.
“I want to share some personal news with Bay Area sports fans and my friends and colleagues. I have been diagnosed with cancer and am currently undergoing treatment,” wrote Papa in the statement. “As I fully focus on my treatment and work toward a full recovery, I’m stepping away from my broadcasts but look forward to returning soon… Thanks to everyone for your prayers and good wishes as I begin this fight.”
While the timeline for Papa’s return remains uncertain, Haberman — a dedicated 49ers content creator with a popular YouTube channel boasting over 26,000 subscribers — expressed gratitude for the opportunity to step in.
“As many of you know, I will be filling in for Greg Papa,” Haberman began. “And Greg is battling cancer. And Greg means a lot to a lot of us, means a lot to me, personally and professionally. I know he means a lot to you, and when I say you, what’s so unique about Greg is that you… means a lot of people. And that’s what’s unique about him: he’s created so much community. When people find out what I do… people don’t ask, ‘How’s Greg Papa?’ They are just like, ‘Greg Papa, he’s awesome, right?’ He is in so many ways, as a person and a broadcaster.”
Haberman will handle the play-by-play duties for the preseason TV games and perhaps beyond while Papa focuses on his health.
Papa has been a mainstay of the Bay Area sports media scene for decades, having previously served as play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, and Oakland Raiders. He also does work for NBC Sports California, calling Cal Golden Bears football and basketball games. Papa has also hosted various local sports shows on television and radio, having joined KNBR in 2019.
Meanwhile, Haberman brings over a decade of experience to the role. He hosts the biweekly Hey Guy 49ers podcast and has served as a play-by-play announcer and studio host for Pac-12 Networks from 2013-24. Additionally, he hosted the Pac-12 This Morning show on SiriusXM’s Pac-12 Radio Channel from 2018 to early ’23.
We all wish Greg Papa a full and speedy recovery, and look forward to hearing him back behind the mic soon.
About Sam Neumann
Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.