On Friday July 1, 2025, San Francisco 49ers radio broadcaster Greg Papa announced in a written statement on radio station KNBR’s X account that he has been diagnosed with cancer.
Papa, 62, is stepping away from his broadcasting duties while he fights the disease.
“Thanks to everyone for your prayers and good wishes as I begin this fight,” Papa wrote in the statement. “Go Niners!”
Papa will be temporarily replaced by his co-host Greg Silver on the radio show “Papa and Silver”, as well as guest hosts. The 49ers have not announced who will be replacing him in the radio play by play duties.
“The 49ers family extends our unwavering love and support to Greg Papa and his family following his recent cancer diagnosis,” the 49ers wrote in a statement on their X account. “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.”
Papa Has Been A Beloved Bay Area Sportscaster For Years
Papa’s impact on Bay Area media extends beyond just the 49ers.
Only a few short years after graduating from Syracuse University in 1984, Papa moved to the Bay Area in 1986 and became the radio broadcaster for the Golden State Warriors.
Papa has worked in various capacities for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, and Warriors over the years. That included hosting many Pre- and Postgame live shows for the various teams.
All told, he has worked for every major men’s Bay Area professional sports team except for the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.
He has also worked for the NBA‘s Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs on TV and the radio.
Most famously, he was the play-by-play announcer for the Oakland Raiders alongside color commentator and former Raiders coach Tom Flores.
His call of “TOUCHDOWN, RRRRAID-ERS!!!” was an iconic sound in Bay Area households and car stereos.
He began working with the 49ers in 2019 after his dismissal from the Raiders in 2018. He calls games alongside analyst Tim Ryan, and has produced another iconic touchdown call: “TOUCHDOWN, SAN-FRAN-CISCO!!!”
A fun fact about Papa is that some of his broadcast audio was included in the 2011 film about the Athletics, “Moneyball”.
Bay Area Icons Send Papa Well Wishes
The 49ers organization weren’t the only people to flood social media with love for Greg Papa.
Former SF Giants first baseman JT Snow sent a message to Papa on X, with a callback to Papa and Snow’s father Jack’s days as rival radio broadcasters. Jack Snow broadcasted for the Los Angeles Rams and is also a former NFL star.
“Greg Papa!! Stay strong my friend, fight this like you and Jack Snow are calling a Niners-Rams game!” Snow wrote. “My best to you and your family, see you and talk soon!”
Many Bay Area broadcasters chimed in on X as well, including Bonta Hill, Brodie Brazil, Glen Kuiper and Matt Maiocco.
Count heavy.com amongst the people praying for Greg Papa and sending him well wishes. Get well soon, Greg!
49ers fans, what’s your favorite memory of Greg Papa’s broadcasting?
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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