Greg Papa, the esteemed play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco 49ers, has been cleared to return to the broadcast booth for the team’s final two home games of the season. The announcement came during his show on KNBR-680, where he shared the news with co-host Greg Silver and Bob Sargent, the director of broadcasting.
Return to the Booth
Papa, 63, is set to call the games on December 28, 2023, against the Chicago Bears and the regular-season finale on January 4, 2024, facing the Seattle Seahawks. This marks a significant moment for the announcer, who has been broadcasting from home while undergoing treatment for serious health issues.
In a heartfelt moment during the broadcast, Papa reflected on his journey. He revealed that he had previously received a grim prognosis regarding his health, stating, “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 challenges, he expressed hope and determination about his recovery.
As he prepares to return to Levi’s Stadium, where the 49ers play, Papa emphasized the ongoing nature of his health journey. He is currently in remission and is awaiting a bone marrow transplant from his sister, Judy. This procedure aims to prevent a potential relapse of his condition.
Health Challenges and Support
Papa’s battle with health issues has been multifaceted. Alongside his current remission status, he is also managing a three-year-old heart condition. He had to suspend medication for that condition temporarily while undergoing chemotherapy. “It was just a series of things that I was forced to miss for a long, long time,” he said, underscoring the importance of prioritizing his health.
During his treatment, Papa spent 23 days at UCSF, the medical center in San Francisco where he received care. Upon diagnosis, he faced a dangerously low white blood cell count, which necessitated a cautious approach to personal grooming to avoid infections. The moment he returned to the air, he took the opportunity to shave for the first time in months, marking a personal milestone.
Bob Hohler, the program director at KNBR, commented on Papa’s return, noting that discussions about his health and return to broadcasting had been ongoing for several months. “When we first found out about Pop’s diagnosis, the first thing was to do whatever we can to get him healthy,” Hohler stated. He acknowledged that while Papa is back, there is still work to be done on his recovery.
Papa remains optimistic about his future, stating, “I’m far from that [victory formation]. 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.” He last received chemotherapy through his PICC line on October 13, indicating progress in his health journey.
As he gears up for the 49ers’ final games of the season, Papa’s return offers not only a boost to the broadcasting team but also a source of inspiration for fans and the wider community, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.
