The San Francisco 49ers will investigate all factors related to their injury problems, including a viral social media theory about an electrical substation near their facilities, general manager John Lynch announced Wednesday.
Injury Statistics
The 49ers had 20 players on reserve lists this season, representing over $95 million in adjusted annual value on their contracts. This total exceeded second-place Arizona by nearly $20 million. San Francisco led the NFL in adjusted games lost (141.2) in 2024, a metric that estimates injury impact on teams. The team also led this category in 2020. Major injuries this season included Nick Bosa (torn ACL), Fred Warner (broken ankle), George Kittle (torn Achilles), and first-round pick Mykel Williams (torn ACL). Extended absences affected Brock Purdy (turf toe variant), Ricky Pearsall (sprained knee and ankle), Jauan Jennings (rib, shoulder, ankle), and Tatum Bethune (groin). **The Viral Theory** A social media theory gained traction suggesting electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from a Silicon Valley Power substation near the team's practice facility and Levi's Stadium contributes to injuries. X user Peter Cowan's post on the topic received nearly 22 million views. The theory claims low-frequency electromagnetic fields degrade collagen, weaken tendons, and cause soft-tissue damage. Some current and former players have referenced the theory, including receiver Kendrick Bourne after Kittle's playoff injury.
Facility Timeline
The 49ers have practiced in Santa Clara since the late 1980s. The substation began operating in 1986, located near the practice facility that opened in 1988. The team won three Super Bowls in the seven years after moving to the facility. Silicon Valley Power's substation expanded in 2014 when Levi's Stadium opened.
Scientific Assessment
Multiple experts have disputed the theory. Frank de Vocht, professor of epidemiology and public health at Bristol Medical School and a leading expert on EMF effects on humans, called the theory "nonsense." Jerrold Bushberg, radiology professor at UC Davis who chairs the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements board, stated there is "no firmly established evidence" that low-level EMF exposures have biological impacts on humans. Nicholas Strasser, orthopedic surgery professor at Vanderbilt, noted research on tendon injury factors is "just starting to scratch the surface," but correlation doesn't equal causation.
Team Response
Lynch stated the team will examine all injury prevention processes. "Because it deals with the health and safety of our players, I think you have to look into everything. We've been reaching out to anyone and everyone to see, does a study exist." He added, "The fact of the matter is injuries are a part of this game. What we strive to do is never to eliminate injuries, but to mitigate injuries." The investigation represents part of a comprehensive review of the team's health and performance systems.
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