Ted Robinson stepping down as 49ers radio PxP, Greg Papa taking over

The San Francisco 49ers are making a change to their radio network. The team announced on Wednesday that former Oakland Raiders voice Greg Papa is replacing Ted Robinson on the team’s radio broadcasts. Robinson will be “assume a new role with the organization” while it appears Tim Ryan will remain in the booth with Papa.

The news is not all that surprising given the recent mini-drama for Papa and the Raiders. The team is moving to Las Vegas at some point between now and 2020, and last summer decided to fire Papa after 21 years and replace him with Brent Musburger. A little over a month later, Papa joined NBC Sports Bay Area’s pre- and post-game 49ers coverage. He’s a well respected radio personality, and it is not surprising the 49ers moved quick to make this happen.

Robinson tweeted about his departure shortly before the 49ers announced the news. I was hoping they would go with a new voice, with Kate Scott jumping to mind. I don’t blame them for going for the legendary voice of Papa, but it would have been nice to see them shake things up a bit. Such is life.

49ers team president Al Guido had this to say on the news.

“For the last 10 years, the 49ers Faithful have listened to one of the most accomplished and respected professionals in the broadcasting community deliver the game day action of their favorite team,” said 49ers President Al Guido. “Ted has always been much more to our team than just a play-by-play voice, he’s a member of our family and a valuable ambassador for our organization. That is why we are thrilled he will continue on with the team and help us to continue to deliver the 49ers to our fans in a number of ways.

“The addition of Greg Papa to our broadcast team as the Voice of the 49ers adds to the great legacy of 49ers broadcasters who have previously held that moniker - Bob Fouts, Lon Simmons, Joe Starkey, Don Klein and Ted. Bay Area sports fans have been treated to his legendary calls of their teams for more than three decades. We are elated to welcome Greg to the 49ers family and have him deliver the action in his own unique style directly to The Faithful for the very first time. With Papa partnering with Tim Ryan in the broadcast booth on game days, and Robinson active in the community and at 49ers events, we believe our fans have the best in the business bringing them their favorite team every day of the year.”