SAN FRANCISCO, january 21, 2026 – The San Francisco 49ers are facing a perplexing problem: a seemingly disproportionate number of injuries to key players.Now, the team is investigating a rather unconventional theory-that electromagnetic force (EMF) from a nearby electrical substation could be a contributing factor.
A conspiracy Theory Gains Traction
The 49ers are exploring whether EMF exposure is linked to the team’s recent injury woes.
General Manager John Lynch revealed the team will examine the claim, which originated as a viral conspiracy theory on social media, suggesting the Silicon Valley Power substation near Levi’s Stadium and the team’s training facility is impacting player health. The substation underwent an expansion in 2014, coinciding with the opening of the stadium.
the theory gained attention after tight end George Kittle tore his right Achilles during the 49ers’ wild card playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Receiver Kendrick Bourne publicly mentioned the idea, sparking further discussion. While scientists and medical professionals have largely debunked the claims, the 49ers aren’t dismissing the possibility out of hand.
“We’ve been reaching out to anyone and everyone to see,does a study exist other than a guy sticking an apparatus underneath the fence and coming up with a number that I have no idea what that means? That’s what we know exists,” Lynch said,via ESPN. “We’ve heard that debunked. …The health and safety of our players is of the utmost priority. We pore into it. Our ownership, Jed [York] is tremendous in terms of resources and we’ll always be cognizant of things. I know that a lot of games have been won at this facility since it opened, but yeah, we aren’t going to turn a blind eye.”
the 49ers have been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. This year alone, the team saw significant setbacks with Kittle, pass rusher Nick Bosa (torn ACL), linebacker Fred warner (fractured and dislocated ankle), quarterback Brock Purdy (turf toe), and rookie pass rusher Mykel Williams (torn ACL).
A Deep Dive into Player Health
Despite the injury challenges, the 49ers finished the regular season with a 12-5 record, competing in what many consider the NFL’s toughest division. Tho, a healthy roster is crucial if the team hopes to secure their first Super Bowl title as 1994.
Lynch emphasized that the team will conduct a comprehensive review of all processes this offseason to identify potential areas for advancement and prioritize player well-being. “The fact of the matter is injuries are a part of this game,” Lynch said. “What we strive to do is never to eliminate injuries, but to mitigate injuries. And I think we have a lot of good processes.We’ll challenge them all. And that process has begun. It never frankly stopped. But yes, we’ll look at everything and we’ll examine everything.”
Did you know? The 49ers are investigating a possible link between electromagnetic fields from a nearby power substation and recent player injuries. The team is seeking self-reliant studies on the matter,despite scientific skepticism.
The 49ers’ willingness to explore even unconventional explanations underscores their dedication to player safety and their determination to overcome the injury hurdles that have hampered their championship aspirations.
