Following George Kittle's injury, 49ers fans are now reexamining this scientific theory.
When George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles during the 49ers’ playoff win over the Eagles, the loss immediately reshaped San Francisco’s postseason plans.
But beyond the football impact, the injury reignited a peculiar theory that has followed the franchise for years, the idea that nearby electrical infrastructure around Levi’s Stadium and the team’s practice facilities could be contributing to the 49ers’ long list of injuries.
As Kittle was ruled out, social media quickly filled with familiar claims suggesting that low-frequency radiation from a nearby power substation might be playing a role in the team’s misfortune.
While the theory has no scientific backing, its reemergence reflects growing frustration among fans and even some players as injuries continue to pile up at inopportune times.
Medical experts have long pushed back on the notion. Specialists in radiation science explain that electromagnetic radiation comes in two basic forms. Ionizing radiation, which carries extremely high energy, can damage DNA and is associated with serious health risks.
According to decades of research, this type of radiation has not been shown to cause physical harm to human cells, tissues, or muscles.
While some earlier studies explored whether prolonged exposure to non-ionizing radiation could be linked to cancer, results have remained inconclusive.
Global health organizations have acknowledged limited evidence suggesting a possible association with childhood leukemia, but large-scale studies have failed to demonstrate a consistent or causal relationship.
As a result, most researchers consider concerns surrounding power lines and similar infrastructure largely outdated.
That scientific consensus has done little to quiet speculation surrounding the 49ers, who continue to rank among the league’s most injury-plagued teams.
Data collected by sports analytics firms over the past decade shows San Francisco frequently near the top in games lost to injury, fueling theories that something beyond football-related wear and tear must be at play.
The speculation has even reached the locker room. Former long snapper Taybor Pepper and former practice squad quarterback Kurt Benkert publicly hinted at belief in the theory following Kittle’s injury.
Current wide receiver Kendrick Bourne added to the conversation with a tongue-in-cheek remark after the game, acknowledging the narrative without fully endorsing it.
Ultimately, there is no evidence connecting electrical infrastructure to the rash of injuries. Factors such as physical playing style, roster construction, travel demands, and simple bad luck remain far more likely explanations.
Still, as long as key players continue to go down at critical moments, the strange theory surrounding Levi’s Stadium is unlikely to disappear, becoming another chapter in the ongoing saga of the 49ers’ injury struggles.