The Unlikely Theory Linking 49ers’ Injuries to a Nearby Substation

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Just a stone’s throw from Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, an ordinary piece of infrastructure has attracted unusual attention. This electrical substation, located along Bill Walsh Way, stands close to the team’s practice facility, and has become the center of an unusual theory regarding the team’s spate of injuries.

There are thousands of such substations scattered throughout the United States, all working to maintain the electrical grid’s functionality. However, the one near the 49ers’ facility has achieved notoriety recently, particularly as the Super Bowl approaches, due to a circulating theory among fans and players. The theory humorously suggests that the substation is responsible for the team’s injury woes this season.

A season beset with injuries for the 49ers spurred the spread of this light-hearted conspiracy among players and fans on social media. John Lynch, general manager for the 49ers, acknowledged the theory’s existence, considering if there is any merit to investigate. Meanwhile, the NFL’s chief medical officer dismissed any concerns about potential risks of injury due to the substation near their practice grounds.

Substations release low-frequency electromagnetic fields, categorized as nonionizing radiation, which is the same type found in microwaves and cellphones. Unlike ionizing radiation present in medical X-rays, nonionizing radiation reportedly does not cause damage to human DNA or cells.

The World Health Organization has so far found no evidence that these low-frequency fields have adverse effects on human health. Despite this, the theory persists, postulating without any scientific backing that the substation might harm players’ soft tissue and weaken their tendons.

Some of the 49ers’ most pivotal players were injured this season. Notable injuries include tight end George Kittle’s Achilles tendon tear, Nick Bosa’s ACL tear, Fred Warner’s broken ankle, and quarterback Brock Purdy’s toe injury.

Seahawks’ tight end Eric Saubert, who previously played for the 49ers, remarked that jokes about the substation’s impact were commonplace in the locker room, though no one sincerely believed it to be hazardous.

“We joked about it, but it’s strange to look over and see all the trees are dead by the power station,” Saubert commented. He humorously speculated about whether his own injuries this season could be lingering effects from his time with the Niners.

Josh Dobbs, a backup quarterback for the New England Patriots and former 49ers player, noted the substation’s prominent position when he first arrived at the team’s headquarters. With his background as an aerospace engineer, he expressed doubt about the connection between the substation and injuries but appreciated the curiosity of the theory.

“Football is inherently a game of injuries,” Dobbs said. “The sport involves physical contact, but the idea of checking into safety concerns isn’t unwarranted.”

Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, another former Niner, explained how such speculative theories easily become urban legends. “Rumors like this can spread quickly, creating myths from an innocent observation,” he said.

Reported by Aria Bendix, senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.