Greg Papa stands firm after KNBR firing amid health struggles
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 10:25 AM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Greg Papa, the veteran radio play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco 49ers, discussed his recent firing from KNBR amid his battle with leukemia. The announcement came earlier this month from Cumulus Media, which praised Papa’s decades of service. Papa, who spent 78 days hospitalized, remains determined to return to broadcasting. He expressed his mindset in a statement, reflecting on his personal journey and goal to get back into the booth.
- •Greg Papa laid off from KNBR earlier this month
- •He has battled cancer and recently spent 78 days hospitalized
- •Cumulus Media released a statement honoring his contributions
- •Papa hopes to return to broadcasting for the 49ers soon
- •He shared his candid views on life and career during this tough time
- 10:25 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Shame On You, KNBR’ — Outrage Mounts as Ex-49ers Announcer Greg Papa Breaks Silence on Being Laid Off Amid Life-Threatening Battle With Cancer
- 2:37 AMYahoo Sports — “I Am Not Afraid to Die”: Veteran 49ers Announcer Speaks Out After KNBR Firing Amid Cancer Battle
"For any sporting event, the broadcast can make or break the entire fan experience. The people in the commentary booth make the action sound more real, break down the game to enhance the experience, and overall emulate a stadium-like atmosphere.
"The past few months have been a tough ride for Greg Papa, both personally and professionally. The latest blow came at the beginning of this month after KNBR laid off the longtime Bay Area sportscaster.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 10:25 AM‘Shame On You, KNBR’ — Outrage Mounts as Ex-49ers Announcer Greg Papa Breaks Silence on Being Laid Off Amid Life-Threatening Battle With Cancer
For any sporting event, the broadcast can make or break the entire fan experience. The people in the commentary booth make the action sound more real, break down the game to enhance the experience, and overall emulate a stadium-like atmosphere.
- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 2:37 AM“I Am Not Afraid to Die”: Veteran 49ers Announcer Speaks Out After KNBR Firing Amid Cancer Battle
The past few months have been a tough ride for Greg Papa, both personally and professionally. The latest blow came at the beginning of this month after KNBR laid off the longtime Bay Area sportscaster.
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