Greg Papa is still fighting.
The 49ers broadcaster was hospitalized earlier this month with advanced heart failure. His case is being presented to the UCSF Health Heart Transplant Board on Tuesday for him to receive an immediate transplant.
Papa previously battled leukemia and now he is battling heart failure.
The beloved Bay area radio host was set to make his return to the airwaves when the 49ers kicked off the season against the Rams in Australia. KNBR terminated Papa’s contract in early August, which sparked major backlash given the broadcaster’s cancer battle.
He was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2025 and was still recovering from a bone marrow transplant when he learned about his termination.
Cumulus, the media company that owns the radio station, issued a public statement saying it would explore ways to bring the famed voice back to KNBR. There was a lot of excitement surrounding Papa’s return in a part-time role for “Lunch with Papa” airing weekdays from noon to 1 p.m.
He was also set for weekly guest segments on morning and afternoon shows with “Niners Updates.”
All of that is secondary given the recent turn of events.
