Greg Papa, the renowned play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco 49ers, is set to return to the broadcast booth for the final two home games of the season. The announcement was made during his show on KNBR-680, where he expressed excitement about calling the matches against the Chicago Bears on December 28, 2024, and the Seattle Seahawks on January 4, 2025, both held at Levi’s Stadium.
Path to Recovery
Papa, 63, has been on the sidelines due to health issues, including a serious hematological condition and a heart ailment. He shared that he was recently meeting with his hematologist to discuss his potential return. Initially, doctors advised him that he would not be traveling or driving for a year and expressed concerns about his long-term prognosis. “I was told initially, ‘You’re not traveling for a year, you’re not driving a car for a year. You may not live for three years,’” he said during the broadcast.
Bob Hohler, the KNBR program director, highlighted the ongoing discussions about Papa’s health over the last four months, emphasizing the priority of focusing on his recovery. “When we first found out about Pop’s diagnosis, the first thing was to do whatever we can to get him healthy. That’s still ongoing,” Hohler stated.
Excitement for the Future
Despite his health challenges, Papa has shown resilience. He has been in remission but is awaiting a bone marrow transplant from his sister, Judy. This procedure is crucial in helping prevent a relapse. He has also been managing a heart condition that required him to stop medication temporarily during chemotherapy.
“It was just a series of things that I was forced to miss for a long, long time,” Papa shared. “But obviously my health and getting better was way more important. We’re not running victory formation yet. I’m far from that.” Recently, he received positive news regarding his health metrics, though he acknowledged that he is not yet fit enough for the transplant.
Papa’s commitment to his work is evident. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received, including his time at UCSF, where he was treated for 23 days due to a dangerously low white blood cell count. On his return to the airwaves, he sported a UCSF hat, symbolizing his connection to the hospital that has been integral to his recovery.
As the 49ers prepare for the critical final games of the season, fans are eager to welcome back a beloved voice who has provided them with thrilling commentary over the years. Papa’s return not only signifies his personal triumph but also brings a renewed sense of hope and excitement to the 49ers’ fanbase as they look to finish the season strong.
