Greg Papa has to win another serious health fight before he can get back on the air.
According to reports, the Bay Area radio host was hospitalized on Sept. 7 due to advanced heart failure.
Papa was set to make his long-awaited on-air comeback following a controversial layoff from KNBR and an eventual re-hiring by the station.
He was poised to be a studio analyst with NBC Sports Bay Area for the team’s opener against the Rams on Sept. 10. However, Papa’s genetic heart condition worsened following the bone marrow transplant he received in the spring, which led to his hospitalization.
The 63-year-old underwent a diagnostic procedure Tuesday, Papa told the San Francisco Standard.
Following Papa’s layoff in early August, Cumulus issued a public statement saying it would explore ways to bring the famed voice back to KNBR.
Last week, the media company announced Papa would 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.”
Papa was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2025 and was still recovering from a bone marrow transplant when he learned his KNBR contract had been terminated.
The public backlash because of the decision likely helped bring the broadcaster back to the station, but that now remains on hold.
