The San Francisco 49ers announced that play-by-play announcer Greg Papa will return to the booth for the final two home games of the season. This news was confirmed during Papa’s daily show on KNBR on December 20, 2023. Papa, who has been broadcasting remotely due to health issues, will call the games against the Chicago Bears on December 28 and the Seattle Seahawks on January 4, 2024, both held at Levi’s Stadium.
Papa’s Health Journey
At 63 years old, Papa has faced significant health challenges over the past few months, including a battle with a serious condition that required extensive treatment. He shared on air that he was initially told he would not be able to travel or drive for a year, and faced a grim prognosis. On his show, he said, “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.’” Despite these daunting words, he has shown resilience throughout his recovery.
Recently, Papa met with his hematologist to discuss his potential return to the booth. He mentioned, “I haven’t gotten the green light to travel… We’ll see.” This cautious optimism reflects his ongoing struggle with health issues, including a three-year-old heart condition and the need for a bone marrow transplant from his sister, Judy, which is pending.
Bob Hohler, the program director at KNBR, expressed the station’s commitment to Papa’s health over the past four months. He stated, “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… Greg will tell you there’s still work to be done.”
Looking Ahead
Although he is currently in remission, Papa’s journey has been complicated by the need to pause medication for his heart condition while undergoing chemotherapy. He shared that he is feeling better overall, noting, “I had an echocardiogram yesterday. The numbers are better. I’m not good enough where I can get the transplant, but they are going in the right direction.”
During his time away from the booth, Papa adapted to broadcasting from home, often behind a protective barrier. He wore a UCSF hat on air, symbolizing the hospital where he received treatment and spent 23 days due to a dangerously low white blood cell count. He humorously noted that he had been unable to shave for fear of cuts and infections but made sure to shave for his return.
As fans look forward to his return, Papa’s resilience serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of health and community support. His enthusiasm for returning to the booth is palpable, and he is eager to engage with the 49ers community once again. With the playoffs on the horizon, Papa’s presence at Levi’s Stadium is sure to energize both the team and its supporters.
