49ers Radio Voice Greg Papa battling back from cancer, life-threatening complications

San Francisco 49ers fans have become accustomed to hearing Greg Papa's unmistakable voice call some big moments in franchise history. Now, the longtime radio voice of the 49ers is facing perhaps the biggest battle of his life.

According to San Francisco Chronicle reporter Eric Branch, Papa is home after an incredibly difficult stretch that included leukemia, a bone marrow transplant and a series of life-threatening complications that left him hospitalized for 78 days. Papa was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in July 2025 while vacationing in France. The cancer was discovered in his brain and spinal column, and he underwent chemotherapy before eventually reaching remission.

In March, Papa underwent a bone marrow transplant at UCSF Medical Center. His younger sister, Judy, was a perfect match and served as his donor. At the time, there was reason for optimism. Papa even texted Branch, "TD on opening drive," after the transplant. Unfortunately, his battle was far from over.

In April, Papa's health took a dramatic turn. He was hospitalized after collapsing and vomiting and later dealt with an infection connected to the Hickman line that had been placed in his chest. Then came an even more frightening stretch. Papa's right lung collapsed and twisted, cutting off blood flow and oxygen. He eventually needed chest tubes, spent nearly a week on a ventilator, and battled pneumonia. He also developed four blood clots, including one that traveled to his lung. At one point, doctors advised Papa to prepare for the worst.

Papa ultimately survived. He returned home on July 11 after spending 78 days at UCSF, but his recovery is far from over. He currently relies on supplemental oxygen and faces significant damage to his lungs. He also developed temporary diabetes as a result of the heavy doses of steroids used during his treatment. The 63-year-old broadcaster has lost significant weight and strength during the ordeal and now faces an uncertain future.

But Papa isn't ready to give up on returning to the 49ers' radio booth. "I may be surrounded — cancer, lungs, heart — but I'm still going to fight. I will not say I cannot do it," Papa told Branch.

That determination should come as no surprise to those who have followed Papa's career. Papa has spent more than four decades behind the microphone, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Bay Area sports. Before joining the 49ers in 2019, he was the longtime radio voice of the Oakland Raiders. He has also called games for the Golden State Warriors, Oakland A's and San Francisco Giants. He has been a fixture in Bay Area sports for decades.

The road back to the booth, however, will be difficult. Papa's lung capacity remains limited, and doctors aren't sure how much of it he will regain through rehabilitation. He also has to determine whether his body can handle the travel, preparation and physical demands that come with calling an NFL game.

Still, Papa is focused on controlling what he can control. "I don't have to prove anything, to anyone or to myself," Papa told Branch. "Part of the motivation is that I want to decide when I stop. I want to plot the course of my own life."

Papa has already shown that he can overcome odds that once appeared nearly impossible. He returned to the 49ers booth for the team's regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks last January, just months after his leukemia diagnosis and while still undergoing treatment. Now, he's staring down another seemingly impossible comeback.

"I got out of that f-ing hospital," Papa said, according to Branch. "My doctors told me that 95% of people would have died from what I went through. They looked me in the eye and said, 'We don't know whether you will ever get out of here.' My recovery was remarkable. So I will not say I cannot do it."

For 49ers fans, the hope is that Papa gets the chance to make that comeback. In the meantime, fans who want to help can do so through a fundraising campaign established by The David Benzer Strike Out Fear Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The campaign is designed to help ease the financial burden of Papa's lengthy recovery. According to the foundation, funds will assist with everyday living expenses while Papa is unable to work, as well as medical expenses not fully covered by insurance, including co-pays, uncovered medications and home healthcare.

Fans wishing to support Papa can visit the foundation's fundraising page:

Support Greg Papa's recovery