San Francisco 49ers radio voice Greg Papa did not make his anticipated return to the booth Sunday night when the team hosted the Chicago Bears at Levi’s Stadium, extending his absence as he continues to recover from leukemia treatment.
Papa, 62, has been in remission since being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in July. While his prognosis remains encouraging, Papa acknowledged lingering side effects from chemotherapy in a recent interview. He cited what he described as “brain fog,” along with occasional dizziness and blurred vision.
Those symptoms have made the timing of his return uncertain.
“I think I’ll be fine,” Papa said. “And if not, we tap me out.”
Those comments underscored the cautious approach both Papa and the organization have taken throughout the season. Earlier this month, 49ers director of broadcast partnerships Bob Sargent said on KNBR that the team had opened a “practice window” for Papa, similar to the NFL’s injured reserve designation, with the hope that he could return for the final two regular-season home games and potentially any postseason contests played at Levi’s Stadium. However, Sargent also made clear that the announcement did not guarantee Papa would be back behind the microphone.
Sunday’s game featured Big Ten Network play-by-play announcer Guy Haberman, who has capably filled in throughout the season. Haberman worked alongside longtime analyst Tim Ryan, maintaining continuity for listeners who have grown accustomed to the temporary pairing during Papa’s absence.
Fans hoped the nationally televised Sunday night matchup might mark Papa’s return. Instead, the decision reflects a broader emphasis on health over deadlines. Papa has been transparent about his recovery process.
His focus remains on listening to his body rather than forcing a comeback.
Regardless of when — or if — Papa returns this season, his standing in Bay Area sports media is firmly established. He has been a fixture in the market since 1986. That year, he became the voice of the Golden State Warriors at just 24 years old. Over nearly four decades, Papa has called games for many iconic regional franchises. They include the Warriors, Raiders, Athletics, and now the 49ers.
Since joining the 49ers radio broadcast in 2019, Papa has further cemented his reputation as one of the industry’s most respected play-by-play voices.
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