SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Diya TV) — The San Francisco 49ers have ruled out a widely discussed theory linking their recent injury troubles to a nearby electrical substation, team officials said Sunday. After a wave of injuries during the 2025 NFL season, speculation grew that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from a local power facility could be harming players. However, an independent investigation found no evidence to support that claim.
General manager John Lynch said the organization hired an outside scientist to examine whether EMFs from the nearby substation posed any health risks.
“We did hire an independent scientist,” Lynch said. “He basically said it was a big nothing burger. We’re safe. We’re in a safe place to work.”
According to Lynch, the study concluded that EMF levels near the team’s facility were “400 times less than unsafe zones.” This finding effectively ends concerns that the substation contributed to player injuries. The facility in question sits near the team’s practice fields, adjacent to Levi’s Stadium and close to the Silicon Valley Power Mission Substation. The substation has operated in the area since 1986 and was expanded in 2014.
The 49ers endured one of the most injury-heavy seasons in the league last year. Several key players missed significant time, impacting the team’s performance and fueling questions about underlying causes. Among those affected were linebacker Fred Warner, quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and defensive star Nick Bosa. Edge rusher Mykel Williams also dealt with injuries during the campaign.
In total, 19 players missed a combined 254 games, ranking the 49ers fourth in the NFL for games lost to injury. The Arizona Cardinals led the league with 303 missed games. The spike in injuries led to widespread speculation. Some observers pointed to the nearby substation as a possible cause. The theory gained traction online and among fans, despite limited scientific backing.
Following the team’s playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Lynch said the organization would examine every possible factor behind the injuries. That included environmental conditions around the training facility. The independent study was part of that broader review. With the EMF theory now dismissed, the team has shifted its focus to more traditional areas of player health and recovery.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve,” Lynch said in earlier remarks. “We owe it to our players to explore everything.”
The 49ers have already taken steps to address the issue. Lynch said the organization invested $9 million to upgrade rehabilitation and recovery resources. The team also hired three additional physical therapists during the offseason.
These changes aim to provide more personalized care for players and reduce the risk of injuries going forward. The moves come after the team’s training staff received a C-minus grade in the annual report cards released by the NFL Players Association. Team officials believe that improving medical support and recovery systems will have a more direct impact than external environmental factors.
With the EMF theory now ruled out, the 49ers plan to focus on evidence-based strategies to keep players healthy. These include better conditioning programs, improved recovery protocols, and enhanced medical oversight. The team has practiced at its Santa Clara facility since 1988 without any known long-term health issues tied to the nearby substation. The recent investigation reinforces that history.
