The Big Lead

NFL broadcasting legend announces cancer diagnosis

The 62-year-old, among the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting in Northern California, announced he will step away from his daily radio show.

By J.P. Hoornstra

Will Kiss (l) and broadcaster Greg Papa attend the game between Tennessee Titans and the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on Nov. 24, 2013.
Will Kiss (l) and broadcaster Greg Papa attend the game between Tennessee Titans and the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on Nov. 24, 2013. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Greg Papa is a Bay Area sports broadcasting institution. The radio voice of the San Francisco 49ers since 2019 on KNBR, Papa has also called play-by-play for the Oakland Raiders (1997-2017), Golden State Warriors (1986-97), San Francisco Giants (2004-08), and Oakland Athletics (1990-2003).

Friday, the station announced Papa would step away from his daily show ("Papa & Silver") while undergoing treatment for cancer.

"As I fully focus on my treatment broadcasts and work toward a full recovery, I'm stepping away from my broadcasts but look forward to returning soon," Papa said in the release.

"The 49ers family extends our unwavering love and support to Greg Papa and his family following his recent cancer diagnosis. 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 team said in a statement posted to its twitter Twitter/X account Friday.

Papa, 62, is among the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting in Northern California. He is a three-time California Sportscaster of the Year Award winner (2008-09, 2012). Recognizing his versatility and institutional knowledge, KNBR announced a long-term extension with Papain 2022.

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In 2018, Papa hosted 49ers pre- and postgame live on NBC Sports Bay Area before he was elevated to the team's radio play-by-play voice.

His brother, Gary Papa, was a sportscaster in Philadelphia from 1981 until his death from cancer in 2009.

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