San Francisco 49ers play-by-play broadcaster and KNBR midday host Greg Papa announced Friday that he is battling cancer.
The 62-year-old announced the news with a written statement on KNBR’s social media accounts. Per SFGate, it was also read on the air by KNBR program director Mike Hohler at the start of the midday show.
“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.”
The 49ers released a statement of their own shortly afterward.
“The 49ers family extends our unwavering love and support to Greg Papa and his family following his recent cancer diagnosis,” read the statement. “We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to the radio booth as the ‘voice of the 49ers’ whenever he is ready.”
The 49ers have not announced who will replace Papa, their radio voice since 2019, in the booth while he is getting treatment. The team’s first preseason game is next Saturday against the Denver Broncos.
Papa said in his statement that co-host Greg Silver will continue to host the midday show slot in his absence.
Papa has been a mainstay of the Bay Area sports media scene for decades, having previously done play-by-play 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.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.