SANTA CLARA — Guy Haberman is temporarily assuming the local television duties of 49ers’ broadcaster Greg Papa and received the seal of approval from Papa himself.
“Bob Sargent and the 49ers made the perfect choice on every level with Guy,” Papa said in a text message Friday morning. “Excellent broadcaster and an exemplary person. He has been a friend for many years and has been a source of love and support when I have needed it the most.”
Sargent is the 49ers director of broadcasting.
Derek Papa, Greg’s oldest son and a co-host of KNBR’s daytime show Dirty Work along with Adam Copeland, had Haberman as a guest Thursday. Haberman will be the TV voice Saturday night on KPIX when the 49ers host the Denver Broncos Saturday night at 5:30 p.m.
Greg Papa, 62, said in statement last week he has cancer and would step aside to focus on treatment.
“I know it’s kind of a weird deal, my father not being on the mike, mixed emotions for you,” Derek Papa said on the air. “I know how much you love him, I know how much he loves you and I cannot be more thrilled that you’ll be calling the games this preseason, maybe in the regular season as well.
“But I’m happy for you, man. I know you’ve been waiting for this. You’ve been doing play-by-play for a long time. I can’t think of a better person to fill in for my pops.”
Said Haberman: “I appreciate that Derek. Hopefully I can get through the opening Saturday.”
Haberman is a television announcer for Big Ten football and has extensive experience as a play-by-play announcer and studio host for Pac-12 football, a radio host for SiriusXM, NBC Sports California and Bay Area, the Oakland Athletics, the Western Athletic Conference and the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies. He is a native of Davis.
The 49ers are a frequent topic on “The Guy Haberman Podcast,” and Haberman briefly addressed his role on his show.
“Greg means a lot to a lot of us,” Haberman said. “Means a lot to me, personally and professionally. I know he means a lot to you. When I say `you’ that could mean Niner fans, it could mean the Raiders, the Warriors, it could mean Spurs fans, radio show fans.
“It could mean somebody he met and had a great time with. It’s a lot of people. That’s what’s unique about him. He’s created so much community.”
On the social media platform “X” Haberman said, “Can’t describe what it means to fill-in for this man, with this team. Keep sending love and support to Greg until we are all lucky enough to have him back.
Haberman will be in the booth with Tim Ryan, with Bob Fitzgerald, Keena Turner and Dennis Brown handling radio duties in the preseason on KSFO (810-AM) and KSAN (107.7-FM). The 49ers have made no announcement regarding play-by-play on the radio for the regular season.
Related Articles
Ex-49ers enjoy preseason return visit to Santa Clara with Broncos
How to watch the 49ers vs. Broncos preseason opener
49ers-Broncos practice recap: McCaffrey looks refreshed; Mykel Williams hurts knee
49ers excited for single joint practice with Broncos before preseason opener
49ers’ Colton McKivitz ran San Francisco streets in quest for greater heights ahead of contract year
It is not known when Papa will return, although Derek Papa said on the air it would be “very difficult” for him to come back this season.
“Greg’s awesome,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We’re all pulling for him and he’s in a battle, but a battle we know he is going to win.”
.