The San Francisco 49ers community was stunned after KNBR announced layoffs that included longtime Bay Area broadcaster Greg Papa and his midday co-host Greg Silver, bringing their popular “Papa & Silver” show to an unexpected end.
The reaction only grew stronger because Papa, 63, is still recovering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
49ers Community Calls Out KNBR For Firing Greg Papa Amid Cancer Battle
Just weeks ago, Papa returned home after a life-saving bone marrow transplant and a 78-day hospital stay during which both of his lungs collapsed.
Still, Papa remained hopeful about returning to the air from his home studio while continuing his recovery.
“The radio show would be something that’s obviously much easier to return to. I could do it from my house. Doing a football game is a different challenge,” he told the Chronicle last month.
In light of that, KNBR’s decision became even harder for fans to swallow. And social media wasted no time aiming criticism at the station.
One fan summed up the frustration by writing, “Nauseating decision made by KNBR,” while another added, “Laying off someone who is battling cancer is as low as it gets. Shameful.”
“KNBR just laid off a Bay Area legend who is currently recovering from leukemia, a bone marrow transplant, and a life-threatening 78-day hospital stay,” another fan wrote. “Think about that.”
Papa’s impact on the Bay Area sports scene stretches far beyond one radio program. Since 2019, he has handled play-by-play duties for the Niners while also hosting the weekday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. show.
In addition, the four-time California Sportscaster of the Year has called games for the Giants, Warriors, and several other local teams, building a reputation as one of the region’s most recognizable broadcasters.
Owing to an illustrious career, fans and reporters questioned how one of the area’s most respected voices could face such news during the toughest fight of his life.
“A very disappointing move by KNBR,” former ESPN reporter Ed Werder wrote on X.
Reporter Raj Mathai echoed that sentiment, posting, “Not a good look for KNBR or Cumulus Media. Legendary Bay Area radio host Greg Papa laid off by #KNBR. 63-year-old Papa is battling cancer and a collapsed lung. Papa is also 49ers PxP announcer (formerly Raiders, Athletics, Warriors). No response from KNBR.”
Meanwhile, the timing has only made Papa’s situation more difficult. Before this layoff, the longtime broadcaster had openly discussed the financial burden created by his lengthy fight against cancer.
“Cancer is unfair,” he said to the Chronicle. “And it affects you physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. And then it ultimately gets you financially.”
Those comments now carry even more weight as the fans continue to rally behind one of the Bay Area’s most respected voices.
“What a [expletive] joke,” one frustrated fan posted, while a pass rush coach also criticized the station’s decision.
“I know that Greg Silver will land on his feet. He’s young and his work will speak for itself. But to lay off Greg Papa while battling cancer is really disgusting. The man is literally fighting for his life and you had to let him go, KNBR? Shame on you!”
Despite the criticism, KNBR has already moved forward with its programming plans. The station will replace Papa with John Lund, bringing back the veteran host after his late-2024 departure.
Despite the layoff, Papa’s contract as the play-by-play voice of the 49ers remains unchanged. He is still aiming to return for the upcoming season, health permitting.
