Joe Rogan Amplifies Viral 49ers Injury Conspiracy Theory
Controversial podcaster Joe Rogan has become the latest high-profile figure to question whether a nearby electrical substation is responsible for the alarming frequency of serious injuries plaguing the San Francisco 49ers. The organisation confirmed this week it is investigating the unorthodox theory, which links the team's training facility and Levi's Stadium proximity to the power station with a dramatic pile-up of player health issues.
A Season Marred by Catastrophic Setbacks
The 2025 campaign saw the 49ers' Super Bowl aspirations nearly derailed by an unprecedented injury crisis. Key players across the roster suffered severe, season-ending ailments. Quarterback Brock Purdy battled a debilitating turf toe condition, while star tight end George Kittle endured a hamstring strain before ultimately tearing his Achilles tendon during the playoffs.
The defensive unit was hit equally hard. Defensive end Nick Bosa tore his ACL, and linebacker Fred Warner suffered a broken ankle that sidelined him for most of the season. Other roster members, including Ricky Pearsall, Mykel Williams, and Juan Jennings, also contended with significant physical issues, compounding the team's challenges.
Rogan's Fascination with the "F***ing Nuts" Theory
Discussing the phenomenon on his immensely popular podcast, Rogan expressed sheer astonishment. "I was just reading this f***ing crazy thing... about the 49ers, about San Francisco. Isn't it f***ing nuts?" Rogan stated. "They think it's real."
He elaborated on the core claim, noting, "So, there's a disproportionate amount of catastrophic injuries that come out of San Francisco and their training facility is right outside this power station. I mean, way more Achilles tendon blow outs, way more knees blown out, way more catastrophic ligament and tendon ruptures."
Rogan highlighted that players have reportedly discussed the theory since around 2012, but it was often dismissed. "Now, the stats are in, and you're looking at the amount of injuries that come from this area, it's like, this is not normal," he argued during a conversation with author Paul Rooslie, who questioned if players were being weakened by water or other factors.
"Electricity," Rogan replied definitively. "By the EMF signal. EMF signals we know disrupt human beings, but to what extent?... But they are looking at the data from this one training facility and are like hey, this is not normal. This is a much higher percentage of injuries."
The 49ers' Official Stance and Investigation
In the wake of their playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, 49ers General Manager John Lynch addressed the speculation during a season-reflecting press conference. He confirmed the organisation is taking the claims seriously due to their potential implications for player welfare.
"Because it deals with allegedly the health and safety of our players, I think you have to look into everything," Lynch told reporters. "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? That's what we know exists."
Emphasising the team's priority, Lynch added, "The health and safety of our players is of the utmost priority. We pore into it. 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."
Historical Context and Expert Skepticism
The electrical substation in question has been operational since 1986, with an expansion completed in 2014. The 49ers inaugurated their adjacent practice facility in 1988 and subsequently celebrated three Super Bowl victories in the following seven seasons, a period of notable success.
However, scientific experts remain highly sceptical of any causal link. Jerrold Bushberg, a respected radiology professor at UC Davis and chair of the board of directors at the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, has publicly dismissed the theory.
"There is no firmly established evidence," Bushberg told Front Office Sports, casting doubt on the alleged connection between electromagnetic fields from the substation and the spike in player injuries. Despite the viral chatter and player anecdotes, the scientific community currently finds the conspiracy theory lacking in empirical support.
