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Greg Papa
Greg Papa
from Wikipedia

Gregory Charles Papa (born October 10, 1962)[1] is an American sportscaster, currently employed as the radio play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco 49ers. He has also broadcast for the Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, San Antonio Spurs, Oakland Raiders and San Francisco Giants during his career.[2]

Key Information

He is best known as the radio play-by-play caller for the Raiders and the host of Chronicle Live on NBC Sports Bay Area.[3] He, Garry St. Jean, and Kelenna Azubuike used to do the in-studio analysis for all the Golden State Warriors regular season games on NBC Sports Bay Area. He is the younger brother of deceased Philadelphia sportscaster Gary Papa. Papa is a three-time California Sportscaster of the Year Award winner.[4] He also currently cohosts a radio program with Greg Silver weekdays from 10am-2pm on KNBR.

Career highlights

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Papa graduated from Syracuse University's S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1984. While at Syracuse, he was the sports director and a play-by-play announcer for Syracuse Orange sports at WAER-FM.[5][6] He was in the same 1984 Newhouse class as Sean McDonough and Tony Caridi.

Papa was a member of the Indiana Pacers' television and radio broadcasting team from 1984 to 1986.[7] Then, he moved west and from 1986 to 1997, he was the radio announcer for the Golden State Warriors (including the famous "Sleepy Floyd Game," where Warrior Sleepy Floyd scored 51 points against the Lakers in a playoff game).[8] From 1997 to 2000, Papa became the lead announcer on the San Antonio Spurs' telecasts. During this span, he was also the television play-by-play announcer for the Oakland Athletics with Ray Fosse from 1991 to 2003.[2]

Oakland Raiders

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Until his dismissal prior to the 2018 season, Papa was play-by-play announcer for the Raiders, alongside his color commentator, former Raider coach Tom Flores.[9] The Raiders hired Papa for the 1997 season, replacing Joel Meyers, who had himself replaced King. His work was very much in the tradition of his predecessor, Bill King. Like King, his touchdown calls were punctuated by "TOUCHDOWN, RRRRAID-ERS!!!" Papa's best calls arguably were: Tyrone Wheatley's 26-yard run in the Raiders 1999 finale against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium ("Wheatley won't go down!!!")[10] along with describing the events during the Tuck Rule game,[11] when the Raiders seemingly had won a 2001 playoff game during a snow storm at New England after forcing a late fumble, only to see referee Walt Coleman reverse the call after consulting instant replay. The Patriots went on to win the historic, controversial contest in overtime.

Papa later speculated that he was let go by the Raiders for criticizing owner Mark Davis's decision to interview Mike Shanahan for the head coach position in 2015, as Shanahan, who previously coached the team from 1988 to 1989, had a "huge falling out" with Davis' father and previous owner Al Davis. Had Shanahan been hired, Papa had threatened to resign out of respect for Al Davis, and that allegedly led to a rift with Mark Davis.[12]

Oakland Athletics

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Greg Papa was also the television play-by-play announcer for the Oakland A's with Ray Fosse from 1991 to 2003.[13]

San Francisco Giants

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From 2004 to 2008, Papa called play-by-play for San Francisco Giants broadcasts on KTVU television and KNBR radio. In 2008, Papa hosted 35 of the 50 scheduled editions of "Giants Pregame Live" and all 65 of the "Giants Postgame Live" shows on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. He occasionally announced several of the Giants' games on TV and radio when Jon Miller was on assignment at ESPN.[2]

When Dave Flemming's microphone went dead when the ball was in the air for what turned out to be Barry Bonds' 715th career home run on May 28, 2006, Papa took over the broadcast, apologized to listeners, and explained what happened on the field.[14]

Papa returned to baseball full-time for the 2021 season, hosting pregame and postgame coverage for the Giants, though this only lasted one season.[15] Papa still remains as a substitute host for Giants Pre and Postgame Live.

Golden State Warriors

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From the 2011–12 season until 2019–20, with a numerous rotation of analysts, Greg Papa has hosted both "Warriors Pregame Live" and "Warriors Postgame Live" on NBC Sports Bay Area.[16] The duo also provide in studio analysis at half-time for the station's coverage of Warriors regular season (and 1st round playoff) games.

San Francisco 49ers

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In 2018, Papa hosted 49ers pre- and postgame live on NBC Sports Bay Area, alongside Donte Whitner, Ian Williams, and Jeff Garcia.[17]

Beginning with the 2019 season, Papa took over as the radio voice of the 49ers, handling the play-by-play duties for the team on KNBR 680 with analyst Tim Ryan.[18] His touchdown calls are variations of Bill King. He punctuates a score with, “TOUCHDOWN, SAN-FRAN-CISCO!”

Other

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Papa also does work for NBC Sports California, notably for broadcasts of the California Golden Bears football and basketball teams.[19] He has also done San Jose Stealth and San Francisco Dragons lacrosse games. Papa is also formerly host of Chronicle Live, a nightly Bay Area sports talk show covering all Bay Area sports. He was also the play-by-play announcer for HardBall 6: 2000 Edition and some of his Oakland A's broadcast audio was in the 2011 film Moneyball.

In 2017, Papa began co-hosting The Happy Hour, a conversational discussion sports program on NBC Sports Bay Area, with sports anchor Kelli Johnson and media personality Ray Ratto.[20] The Happy Hour was cancelled by NBC Sports Bay Area in 2018 with the last airing on December 21, 2018.[21]

Personal life

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Papa resides in the bay area; he has five children. His brother, Gary Papa,[6] was a long time sportscaster for WPVI in Philadelphia. His other family members are associated with National Fire Adjustment Co., Inc; his grandfather Bernard founded the company in 1922 and father Frank (1926–2019) served as its longtime chairman.[22]

On August 1, 2025, Papa announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer and would step away from his broadcast duties while recovering.[23]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Greg Papa is an American sportscaster renowned for his decades-long career as a play-by-play in the Bay Area, particularly as the radio voice of the from 1997 to 2017 and the since 2019. Born in 1962, Papa graduated from in 1984, where he served as sports director at the campus station WAER-FM, before launching his professional career with radio play-by-play duties for the that same year. Papa's broadcasting portfolio extends beyond the NFL, including early television work for the starting in 1986, the in the 1990s, and play-by-play for the and San Francisco Giants baseball teams in later years. He has also covered athletics and hosted prominent sports talk shows on stations like KNBR and 95.7 The Game, solidifying his status as a Bay Area media fixture over more than 30 years. A three-time California Sportscaster of the Year, Papa was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame in 2018. In August 2025, Papa, then 62, announced he had been diagnosed with in July and stepped away from his 49ers broadcasting duties for treatment, with his contract extending through 2028. As of November 2025, he achieved remission after initial but requires ongoing treatment including a planned transplant; he resumed hosting his KNBR show in September 2025 while remaining on leave from 49ers play-by-play, and expects a full recovery.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Gregory Charles Papa was born on October 10, 1962, in . He grew up in a family deeply rooted in the insurance industry, with his grandfather, Bernard J. Papa, founding National Fire Adjustment Co., Inc. in 1922 as a pioneering public adjusting firm to advocate for policyholders in fire loss claims. Papa's father, Frank R. Papa (1926–2019), expanded the family business after taking over in 1965, growing it into a national leader in public adjusting services. Papa's early interest in sports broadcasting was profoundly shaped by his older brother, Gary Papa, a prominent Philadelphia sportscaster who worked at WPVI-TV from 1981 until his death from prostate cancer in 2009 at age 54. Gary served as the primary motivator for Greg's career path, inspiring him through his charismatic on-air presence and dedication to sports media; Greg has described striving to make his brother proud as a key driving force in pursuing broadcasting. Growing up in Buffalo, a hub for professional sports with the NFL's and NHL's , Papa gained early exposure to via family discussions about games and local radio and TV coverage, fostering his passion amid the city's vibrant sports culture. This foundation, combined with his brother's example, laid the groundwork for Papa's entry into the field during his college years.

College years

Papa attended , where he studied at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and graduated in 1984. Influenced by early family encouragement in broadcasting, he pursued formal education in communications to build a professional foundation. During his time at , Papa served as sports director and play-by-play announcer for the university's campus radio station, WAER-FM, where he covered and basketball games. In this role, he gained hands-on experience broadcasting live events. These college experiences laid the groundwork for his distinctive voice in sports broadcasting, earning recognition later through his 2025 induction into the WAER Hall of Fame.

Broadcasting career

Early roles

After graduating from , Greg Papa launched his professional broadcasting career in 1984 as the play-by-play announcer for the ' radio and television broadcasts, becoming at age 21 the youngest announcer in the NBA at the time. He held this role for two seasons, handling game coverage and contributing to the team's media presence during a period that included the Pacers' early NBA franchise years. In 1986, Papa relocated to San Francisco, marking the start of his extensive involvement in Bay Area sports broadcasting. This move built on the on-air experience and sports directing skills he had developed during his college years at Syracuse's WAER-FM station. Prior to securing major professional positions, Papa had engaged in some local radio work and freelance opportunities in the Midwest, which helped refine his play-by-play delivery before his NBA debut.

Oakland Athletics

Greg Papa joined the broadcasting team in 1991 as the television play-by-play announcer, a role he held until 2003 alongside color commentator on outlets including and Net Bay Area. This position marked his entry into coverage following earlier work in NBA broadcasting. During his 13 seasons, Papa narrated regular-season games from the , capturing the team's resurgence under general manager in the "Moneyball" era. Papa's tenure coincided with the Athletics' return to postseason contention after their victory, which predated his arrival. Key broadcasts included the team's four consecutive titles from 2000 to 2003, highlighted by the historic 20-game winning streak in 2002 that tied the record. He provided play-by-play for the 2000 ALDS against the , the 2001 ALDS against the New York Yankees—featuring Barry Zito's shutout in Game 3—and the 2002 postseason run, which advanced to the ALCS against the after sweeping the ALDS. In 2003, Papa called the ALDS loss to the Boston Red Sox, a series remembered for dramatic extra-inning games and the emergence of young talent like . Papa's style for Athletics games emphasized precise, enthusiastic narration suited to baseball's rhythm, often highlighting strategic elements like pitching matchups and defensive plays while maintaining a conversational with Fosse. His calls during high-stakes moments, such as the streak-clinching by Hatteberg on September 4, 2002, reflected his ability to build tension and excitement for Bay Area audiences.

Golden State Warriors

Greg Papa served as the television play-by-play announcer for the from 1986 to 1997, marking the beginning of his prominent role in Bay Area sports broadcasting after relocating from his early positions with the . During this tenure, he provided commentary for a transformative period in Warriors history, including the high-octane "" era led by point guard , forward , and guard , which emphasized fast-break offense and propelled the team to a 55-win season in 1990-91. Papa's broadcasts captured the excitement of this up-tempo style, helping fans connect with the team's innovative approach under coach . Papa's coverage extended to several memorable playoff runs, notably the 1987 Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he narrated Eric "Sleepy" Floyd's iconic 51-point performance in Game 4—a playoff record for points in a quarter at the time—which kept the series alive despite the eventual five-game loss. Other key moments included the 1989 Western Conference Finals appearance, where the Warriors pushed the Lakers to five games, and the 1991 semifinals rematch, highlighting the team's growing competitiveness in a stacked Western Conference. These broadcasts emphasized the Warriors' resilience and offensive flair, laying groundwork for future success without achieving a championship during his time. In the broadcast booth, Papa collaborated closely with longtime analyst Jim Barnett, a former NBA player who joined the Warriors' TV team in 1985, providing insightful color commentary that complemented Papa's energetic play-by-play. Their partnership, spanning much of the 1980s and 1990s on outlets like KICU and KPIX, evolved Papa's style toward a blend of precise preparation and vivid enthusiasm, as exemplified by his famous call of "Sleepy Floyd is Superman!" during Floyd's explosive quarter. This approach not only heightened the drama of live action but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the Warriors' underdog spirit among Bay Area audiences.

San Francisco Giants

Greg Papa joined the San Francisco Giants' broadcasting team in 2004 as the television play-by-play announcer for select games on , typically covering 35 to 45 contests per season, alongside radio duties on KNBR. His role marked a shift from his prior work with the , where his experience calling high-energy baseball games informed his straightforward and engaging style for Giants telecasts. During this period, Papa provided commentary for key moments in the team's rebuild, including notable home runs and divisional matchups, contributing to the network's coverage of the Giants' transition into the era's later years. By 2008, Papa transitioned to hosting duties, leading 35 editions of "Giants Pregame Live" and all 65 episodes of "Giants Postgame Live" on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. He continued in this pre- and postgame role through 2016, a stretch that encompassed the Giants' three World Series championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014. In this capacity, Papa offered analysis and interviews during the playoff runs, including peripheral coverage of the championship parades, such as co-hosting the 2010 World Series victory parade broadcast on CSN Bay Area with Dave Benz. His hosting emphasized postgame recaps of signature plays, like Buster Posey's contributions in the 2012 Fall Classic and Madison Bumgarner's dominance in 2014, helping fans relive the team's triumphs. Papa returned to Giants pre- and postgame hosting in 2021 on , serving as the lead for "Giants Pre/Postgame Live" for that single season amid the team's surprising 107-win campaign. This role allowed him to cover the Giants' title push, including discussions of standout performances from players like and . Although his full-time stint ended after 2021, Papa has occasionally substituted as host for these shows since, maintaining his connection to Giants coverage.

Oakland Raiders

Greg Papa joined the as the radio play-by-play announcer in 1997, marking his entry into broadcasting after years calling NBA games. His tenure lasted until 2018, during which he provided commentary for over 300 regular-season games alongside color analysts including former head coach . Papa's energetic style and deep knowledge of the team endeared him to , as he captured the intensity of key moments like dramatic comebacks and defensive stands. One of the highlights of Papa's Raiders career was his radio coverage of in 2003, where the Raiders faced the in . Broadcasting from the sidelines with Flores, Papa narrated the Raiders' 48-21 loss, a game dominated by ' defense sacking a league-record seven times. Beyond the , Papa called multiple playoff games during the team's postseason runs, including the 2000 AFC Divisional victory over the , the 2001 AFC Championship against the (infamously ending in the "Tuck Rule" game), the 2002 AFC Divisional win versus the , and the 2016 Wild Card playoff loss to the Houston Texans. These broadcasts highlighted the Raiders' competitive eras under coaches like and Bill Callahan, with Papa's calls emphasizing the team's signature "Commitment to Excellence" ethos. As discussions intensified in about the Raiders' potential relocation from Oakland to —a move approved by the that year—Papa adapted by focusing on on-field performance amid the uncertainty. He continued broadcasting the team's games through the season, including a thrilling 31-30 win over the that clinched a playoff berth. However, his 21-year run ended abruptly in July 2018 when owner Mark Davis announced Papa's departure, replacing him with ahead of the move. Papa later stated he was open to relocating to but was never consulted on the matter, attributing the split to longstanding tensions with Davis stemming from a 2015 radio comment criticizing the owner's handling of a search.

San Francisco 49ers

In 2019, Greg Papa joined the as the radio play-by-play announcer, replacing Ted Robinson who had held the role for the previous decade. This move marked Papa's return to NFL broadcasting in the Bay Area following his long tenure with the , bringing his experienced voice to the 49ers' flagship station KNBR. Papa's energetic and descriptive style, honed over decades in professional sports, was noted for its adaptability to the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of contemporary games, emphasizing key plays and player narratives in real time. Papa's tenure with the 49ers included memorable coverage of the team's postseason successes, such as the 2021 playoff run where he called the dramatic Divisional Round victory over the , highlighted by Robbie Gould's game-winning field goal. He continued this postseason role during the 2023 season, providing play-by-play for the against the and the subsequent appearance against the , where his broadcast captured the tension of the overtime loss. These broadcasts showcased Papa's ability to convey the emotional intensity of playoff football, drawing on his prior experience to inform nuanced commentary on strategy and rivalries. Throughout his 49ers broadcasts, Papa partnered closely with color analyst Tim Ryan, a former NFL defensive lineman whose insights complemented Papa's calls with tactical breakdowns and historical context. This duo's dynamic was praised for blending play description with analytical depth, making their coverage a staple for fans tuning into regular-season and playoff games alike. In August 2025, Papa stepped away from 49ers play-by-play duties following a cancer diagnosis to focus on treatment, with a rotation of fill-in announcers covering the 2025 season games.

Other teams

In 1997, following his departure from the Golden State Warriors, Greg Papa joined the San Antonio Spurs as the lead television play-by-play announcer, a role he held through the 1999–2000 NBA season. During this time, Papa called Spurs games on local broadcasts, including their dominant 1999 playoff run that culminated in an NBA Championship victory over the New York Knicks. The three-year stint provided Papa an opportunity to cover a rising NBA powerhouse led by Tim Duncan and David Robinson, but it coincided with the beginning of his two-decade tenure as the Oakland Raiders' radio play-by-play voice, starting that same year. This overlap in commitments contributed to the brevity of his time in San Antonio, as Papa prioritized his Bay Area-based roles with the Raiders and Oakland Athletics. Papa has also served as play-by-play announcer for University of California, Berkeley (Cal Golden Bears) football and men's basketball games on NBC Sports California, with coverage spanning multiple years including the 2010s. No other significant team broadcasting engagements outside the Bay Area are documented in Papa's career.

Additional media roles

Radio hosting

Greg Papa has co-hosted the midday radio program on KNBR (104.5 FM/680 AM) since July 2019, initially partnering with John Lund in the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. slot before transitioning to co-host Greg Silver in November 2024. The show, now titled Papa & Silver, draws on Papa's extensive play-by-play background to deliver insightful commentary on Bay Area sports. The program focuses on in-depth analysis of local teams, including the , , and San Francisco Giants, alongside broader and NBA discussions. Regular segments feature interviews with journalists and insiders, such as Matt Maiocco on 49ers matchups or comparing NFC contenders, providing listeners with expert perspectives on game strategies, player performances, and offseason moves. The show's evolution reflects KNBR's broader programming shifts, including Papa's 2019 return amid a lineup overhaul that replaced veteran host , and the 2024 co-host change following Lund's departure. In November 2024, relocated KNBR operations to , enhancing the station's integration with 49ers coverage while maintaining the midday format's focus on interactive sports talk. Papa's September 2025 return after a medical hiatus underscored the program's resilience, with co-host Silver filling in and guest hosts ensuring continuity, which resonated strongly with audiences. Papa & Silver has cultivated a dedicated following, evidenced by its 4.4-star rating on podcast platforms and emotional listener responses to key moments like Papa's on-air comeback, solidifying its role as a staple for Bay Area sports enthusiasts.

Television work

Greg Papa joined (formerly Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) in 2009 as the host of Chronicle Live, a weekday sports discussion program that debuted on April 6, featuring interactive roundtable conversations with journalists, analysts, and guests on Bay Area sports topics. The show evolved over time, rebranding to Yahoo! SportsTalk Live in 2013 and later simply SportsTalk Live, with Papa serving as the primary host through much of its run, providing in-depth analysis and interviews. In addition to the core program, Papa contributed "Ask Papa" segments during NFL seasons, offering expert breakdowns of games and matchups. Beyond daily talk shows, Papa anchored studio production for team-specific programming on , including pregame and postgame coverage that integrated highlights, player interviews, and tactical insights. For the , he hosted Warriors Pregame Live and Warriors Postgame Live from the 2011–12 season through 2019–20, guiding viewers through game previews, live updates, and post-match recaps during the team's championship era. He transitioned to hosting Giants Pre/Postgame Live for the Giants beginning in , while maintaining a role on 49ers Pre- and Postgame Live for the , where he facilitated discussions with coaches and insiders on key strategies and performances. Papa's television presence extended occasionally to national networks through fill-in hosting and guest analyst roles, such as filling in for local San Francisco Giants broadcasts when the primary announcer was unavailable for national ESPN duties. These opportunities highlighted his versatility in transitioning from radio play-by-play to on-camera studio formats, emphasizing engaging commentary and production elements like multi-angle replays and guest coordination.

Personal life

Family and residence

Greg Papa has been married to Angela Garay for over 30 years. They have five children, including sons Derek (a radio personality) and Nicolas, and daughters Alexandra, Danielle, and Erika. The family resides in Danville, California, where Papa has lived for many years. The Papa family maintains a significant connection to the insurance sector through National Fire Adjustment Co., Inc., a prominent public adjusting firm founded by Papa's grandfather, Bernard Papa, in 1922. Papa's father, Frank R. Papa, led the company as chairman from 1965 until his death in 2019, expanding it into the largest such firm in the United States and Canada. His brother, Ronald J. Papa, serves as the current president and CEO, continuing the family's involvement in the business.

Health challenges

In July 2025, Greg Papa was diagnosed with B-cell, a form of blood cancer. On August 1, 2025, he publicly announced the diagnosis and his decision to step away temporarily from his broadcasting duties, including his role as the radio play-by-play voice for the and co-host of the midday show on KNBR. The diagnosis prompted Papa to undergo intensive treatment, during which he described coming "very close to losing my life." In response, the 49ers organization arranged for multiple fill-in broadcasters, including five play-by-play announcers, to cover his games while he focused on recovery. Papa's absence from KNBR led to adjustments in the station's programming, with his co-host and others handling the show solo during that period. By mid-September 2025, Papa had achieved remission and made a surprise return to KNBR on September 16, appearing on "Papa & Silver" between ongoing treatments while sporting a "cancer beard." Papa noted that, while in remission, he would still require ongoing and a transplant to address his low blood-cell count and prevent relapse. His brother, Ron Papa, was confirmed as a perfect 12-out-of-12 match for the transplant, scheduled for November 2025. He expressed optimism about his recovery, stating, "," and planned to resume select 49ers broadcasts as his health permitted. The announcement drew widespread support from fans, colleagues, and the Bay Area sports community, with messages of encouragement highlighting Papa's enduring impact as a broadcaster. This health challenge underscored his resilience, built over decades in sports media, though he emphasized prioritizing treatment over a full return to his schedule.

References

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