Greg Papa, Bay Area radio icon announces a hiatus because of his cancer diagnosis

In a significant blow to the sports media landscape in the Bay Area, Greg Papa has announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer. The radio icon shared the news through a statement released by KNBR, where he currently co-hosts a popular midday show.

As per the statement released by Papa, he will now be taking a hiatus to focus on his treatment, and has handed over the reins of The Sports Leader broadcast to co-host Greg Silver. The statement released by the KNBR team on behalf of Papa reads as follows:

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"Hi there, everyone — Greg Papa here, host of KNBR The Sports Leader's ‘Papa & Silver’ and voice of the San Francisco 49ers. I want to share some personal news with Bay Area sports fans and my friends and colleagues. I have been diagnosed with cancer and am currently undergoing treatment... Thanks to everyone for your prayers and good wishes as I begin this fight. Go Niners!!"

Community response to Greg Papa's cancer diagnosis

Having called games for franchises such as Warriors, Raiders, A’s, 49ers, and Giants, Greg Papa has become a radio icon for his commentary and insights. Throughout his life, he has been the voice behind a lot of sports memories for generations of fans.

After his controversial departure from the Raiders organization in 2018 after 21 years as their play-by-play announcer, Papa found a new home with the 49ers, where he has thrived.

The reaction of the community to Papa's diagnosis has been immense, and social media is crammed with well-meaning messages and recollections of his broadcasting moments. The same sentiments are echoed by KNBR program director, Mike Hohler, who has also expressed his support for Papa in his timely recovery.

The San Francisco 49ers organization has also released a statement of support for the broadcaster, which reads as follows:

"The 49ers family extends our unwavering love and support to Greg Papa and his family following a recent cancer diagnosis. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to the radio booth as the ‘voice of the 49ers’ whenever he is ready."

Co-host Greg Silver will take the lead on their midday show during Greg Papa's absence, with various guest co-hosts also scheduled to fill in for the said duration. While Papa faces a difficult battle ahead, his statement expressing hope to return soon will provide encouragement to his many fans.

Papa’s temporary departure from broadcasting marks a significant shift in the Bay Area sports media landscape. His absence will be particularly felt as the NFL season approaches.

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