Greg Papa’s lengthy health battle has suffered another setback.
The voice of the 49ers has been hospitalized since Sept. 7 with advanced heart failure, further complicating his quest to return to the radio booth after suffering side effects from a bone marrow transplant in the spring, according to the San Francisco Standard.
Read more California newsrooms await grants, Newsom’s decision on tax credits
Papa, 63, needed the procedure after being diagnosed with leukemia last summer. He was hospitalized the first time following the collapse of both lungs. His 78-day hospital stay included an induced coma and respirator.
The longtime broadcaster had hoped to appear on the 49ers’ pregame and postgame shows on NBC Sports Bay Area last week when the team opened the season in Australia with a 27-7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
The latest development followed a memorable night in Novato last month when Papa, a four-decade veteran of Bay Area radio, was a guest at former Giants coach Tim Flannery’s concert with his band, Lunatic Fringe.
“A week after that beautiful night in Novato, I experienced another health setback,” Papa wrote in a text to the Standard on Tuesday. “My genetic heart condition Cardiomyopathy has greatly worsened due to the bone marrow transplant. The Advanced Heart Failure team at UCSF performed a diagnostic procedure Tuesday morning for a clearer picture of the condition of the heart.
“All of your love and support has greatly helped us get past the many health obstacles we have faced. Together we will get past the next challenge. Love you all and thank you.”
Read more Westly: Vote ‘yes’ on Prop. 41 to ensure real accountability for every tax dollar spent
Papa’s return to the hospital came amid news that KNBR was bringing him back to the airwaves after unceremoniously canceling his radio show with Greg Silver over the summer.
It was announced last week that Papa would return to the station’s midday lineup with a one-hour daily feature. “Lunch With Papa,” running from noon to 1 p.m. each week day.
In his new assignment, Papa will appear with John Lund, who took over from Papa and Silver after their show went off the air.
Papa, a four-time California Sportscaster of the Year, has been the radio voice of the 49ers since 2019. He has also called Raiders, Giants and A’s games over his four-decade run in Bay Area sports, which began in the 1980s as a Warriors broadcaster.
Guy Haberman called the 49ers’ season opener against the Rams in Melbourne, Australia.
Read more Horoscopes September 17, 2026: Patrick Mahomes, put your differences and emotions aside
About the Author
