On Sunday, John Lynch confronted the viral theory about the slew of injuries the San Francisco 49ers have sustained over the past few seasons. In a collision sport where injuries happen, the 49ers have suffered more than their share since moving to Levi’s Stadium in 2014, and there has been an uptick of injuries since Lynch took over as general manager in 2017, along with Kyle Shanahan as head coach.
One long-standing theory is that the 49ers’ stadium is close to an electrical substation, which causes electromagnetic interference and, in turn, player injuries. The substation is also close to the 49ers’ practice facility, which they have used since 1988 and in which they have won three Super Bowls and competed in three others.
John Lynch Debunks Theory About Substation Causing San Francisco 49ers Injuries
Lynch spoke to reporters before the NFL spring owners meetings on Sunday and said that the team has hired a scientist to investigate the matter.
“We did hire an independent scientist,” he said via 49ers reporter Cam Inman. “He basically was a big nothing burger. We’re safe. We’re in a safe place of work. The levels are 400 times less than an unsafe zone.”
Lynch was following up and doubling down on what he said in January in a postseason press conference when this theory first had legs after injuries to quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner, and defensive end Nick Bosa.
49ers John Lynch on the electrical substation conspiracy:
“We did hire an independent scientist. He basically it was a big nothing burger. We’re safe. We’re in a safe place of work. The levels are 400 times less than an unsafe zone.”— Cam Inman (@CamInman) March 29, 2026
“Because it deals with, allegedly, the health and safety of our players, I think you have to look into everything,” Lynch said. “Our guys have been, we’ve been reaching out to anyone and everyone to see does a study exist other than a guy sticking an apparatus underneath a fence and coming up with a number that I have no idea what that means?”
Lynch Backs Up 49ers Medical Staff, Details Facility Upgrades
These comments came after the NFL’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, rejected the notion that the 49ers lead the league in non-direct-contact and lower-extremity injuries during a health and safety call.
“One of the things that’s been said is that the club has led the league in non-direct contact and lower extremity injuries. That’s simply not true. That’s false.”
Lynch says the 49ers are upgrading their rehab and recovery facilities, spending $9 million, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN. In addition, the team is adding three more staff members whose jobs will focus on physical therapy to reduce injuries.
