Legendary 49ers broadcaster Greg Papa is returning to KNBR in a part-time role, Cumulus Media announced Thursday. The move comes just 36 days after his Aug. 5 layoff, which drew criticism from listeners and KNBR employees.
Papa, 63, will not be returning to his previous midday show with Greg Silver. Instead, he will host "Lunch With Papa" alongside John Lund, airing weekdays from noon to 1 p.m. later this month. He will also provide 49ers updates twice weekly during KNBR’s drive time shows.
"I’m thrilled to be back on The Sports Leader and even more thrilled to be working with my good friend John Lund again," Papa said in the station's announcement. "Let's do this!"
Papa’s return gains further significance due to his recent health crisis. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2025 and underwent a bone marrow transplant in March. He subsequently spent 78 days at UCSF Health after both lungs collapsed, requiring a week on a ventilator. He was still recovering when KNBR terminated his contract.
"I went from terminal to terminated, in a short period of time," Papa stated in August. "But I’m also indestructible."
Amid the backlash over his dismissal, KNBR indicated it was exploring options to bring Papa back, a possibility that materialized one month later. Papa has also returned to NBC Sports Bay Area as a studio analyst for the 49ers' season opener and received clearance from his oncologist to resume play-by-play duties.
Due to travel restrictions during his first year post-transplant, Papa may call home games and work from NBC's studio during road weeks. His on-air return for play-by-play could occur as early as September 20, when the 49ers face the Dolphins. For a broadcaster who questioned whether his lungs would allow him to call another game, this comeback signifies a notable recovery and return to the airwaves.