The San Francisco 49ers overcame numerous challenges to finish the 2025 season with a 12-5 record and a playoff berth. Injuries, however, proved to be a major hurdle, and ultimately, the team fell to the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round.
A viral theory circulating on social media has drawn attention: the 49ers' facility is located near an electrical substation, and some speculate this may contribute to the team's high injury rate in recent years.
While the theory remains unproven, it has sparked conversation among players and analysts alike. Some have even suggested concerns over the substation could influence player decisions when considering joining the 49ers.
During the team's end-of-season press conference on Wednesday, general manager John Lynch addressed the topic directly. He emphasized that player safety remains the organization's top priority and that the 49ers investigate any potential risks.
"We've been reaching out to anyone and everyone to see—does a study exist, other than a guy sticking an apparatus underneath the fence and coming up with a number that I have no idea what that means," Lynch said. "That's what we know exists. We've heard that debunked. So, yes, we will look into it. We have.
"The health and safety of our players is of the utmost priority. We pour into it. Our ownership, Jed [York], tremendous in terms of resources, and we'll always be cognizant of things. I know that a lot of games have been won at this facility since it opened. But yeah, we aren't going to turn a blind eye. We'll look into everything."
Lynch clarified that the 49ers' review will not stop at the electrical substation. The organization evaluates all factors that could contribute to injuries and works to mitigate them whenever possible.
"This year, it was tough, and it took a toll on our team," Lynch said. "And we'll continue to look. Now, having said that, we've spent a lot of time and effort in recruiting quality people, and being at the forefront of injury prevention. I think, this year, probably because the star players that went down, there was a lot of attention given on that.
"The fact of the matter is injuries are a part of this game. And so, what we strive to do is never to eliminate injuries, but to mitigate injuries. And I think we have a lot of good processes. We'll challenge them all, and that process has begun. It never, frankly, stopped. But yes, we'll look at everything, and we'll examine everything."