Legendary Bay Area broadcaster Greg Papa is returning with an expanded role at NBC Sports Bay Area this season. The move gives 49ers fans a familiar voice back on their screens.
What We Know: KNBR laid off Papa, 63, earlier this month alongside co-host Greg Silver in a midday programming shuffle. Papa now takes on an expanded role with 49ers Pre and Postgame Live. Also, weekly “Ask Papa” appearances on the 49ers Talk podcast. He also plans to resume full 49ers radio play-by-play duties early this season. Papa was diagnosed with leukemia more than a year ago and underwent a bone-marrow transplant on March 4.
What They Said: Greg Papa (via 49ers Talk podcast): “Christian (McCaffrey) won the Comeback Player of the Year last year. I’m not a player, but I want Comeback Performer of the Year.”
Greg Papa: “At some point, whether it’s Week 2 or whatever, I can get back into the radio booth and do my thing. Just being around the team and around you guys. Watching it all is going to be certainly a healing process in itself for me.”
What Remains Unclear: Papa nor the 49ers have set an official return date for radio duties.
What It Means: For Papa, the return of his duties with NBC Sports Bay Area offers a platform as he continues recovering from lung complications tied to his bone marrow transplant. Meanwhile, NBC Sports Bay Area strengthens its 49ers coverage with a proven, beloved voice. Both sides benefit during this transitional stretch. When Papa eventually makes his return to the 49ers radio booth, it will likely be one to remember with a signature voice on the call once again.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.