The San Francisco 49ers said Wednesday they will formally examine a viral theory suggesting electromagnetic fields from an electrical substation near their practice facility could be contributing to the team’s long‑running injury issues, even as medical experts publicly dismiss the claim and urge caution about unfounded speculation.
49ers Launch Inquiry After EMF Speculation Gains Traction Online
General manager John Lynch addressed the topic during a joint press conference with head coach Kyle Shanahan, acknowledging the organization felt obligated to review the matter after the theory spread widely on social media.
“Because it deals with allegedly the health and safety of our players, you have to look into everything,” Lynch said. “Our guys have been reaching out to anyone and everyone to see does a study exist rather than a guy sticking an apparatus underneath the fence and coming up with a number that I have no idea what that means.”
About that viral video blaming 49ers injuries on an electrical substation…
John Lynch says they’ll look into it. pic.twitter.com/dX5NMuFSgQ
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) January 21, 2026
The theory gained traction after a researcher posted Gaussmeter readings taken near the team’s practice fields, suggesting elevated electromagnetic levels. The claim circulated quickly among fans frustrated by the 49ers’ high injury totals in recent seasons.
Lynch said the team is aware that experts have already challenged the only publicly available measurement.
“That is what we know exists. We have heard that debunked, so yes, we will look into it,” he said. “The health and safety of our players is of the utmost priority. We pour into it, ownership is tremendous as far as resources and will always be cognizant of things.”
Recently, former NFL team doctor David Chao strongly rejected the idea that electromagnetic fields could cause soft‑tissue injuries, noting that pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is commonly used in sports medicine to promote healing. Chao said the theory lacked scientific support and did not align with established medical understanding.
Lynch emphasized that the organization’s decision to investigate does not signal belief in the theory, but rather reflects a responsibility to address any concern that touches player welfare.
“I know a lot of games have been won at this facility since it opened, but we are not going to turn a blind eye,” Lynch said. “We will look into everything.”
The team did not provide a timeline for the review or specify what form the investigation will take. The 49ers have ranked among the league’s most injured teams in multiple seasons since moving to Levi’s Stadium in 2014, a trend that has fueled ongoing speculation among fans and outside observers.
