Joe Rogan doesn’t usually shy away from wild theories—but even he seemed taken aback when discussing the San Francisco 49ers’ strange injury saga.
On his popular podcast, Rogan reacted to the viral claim that a nearby electrical substation might be contributing to the team’s string of catastrophic injuries.
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“I was just reading this fing crazy thing… about the 49ers, about San Francisco. Isn’t it fing nuts?” Rogan said. “They think it’s real.”
The theory points to a substation located near both Levi’s Stadium and the 49ers’ practice facility.
Fans and some former players have long speculated that electromagnetic fields (EMF) from the station could be weakening athletes’ bodies, leading to torn ligaments, tendon injuries, and other long-term damage.
Rogan highlighted the numbers, pointing out what he sees as a disproportionate amount of serious injuries originating from the facility. “Way more Achilles tendon blowouts, way more knees blown out… it’s like this is not normal,” he said.
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Rogan discussed the theory with guest author Paul Rooslie, who asked whether water contamination might be a factor.
Rogan quickly dismissed that, instead zeroing in on EMF exposure. “Electricity. By the EMF signal,” he said. “We know EMF signals disrupt human beings, but to what extent? That’s what they’re looking at—because this is a much higher percentage of injuries than normal.”
The 49ers’ injury-plagued 2025 season only added fuel to the fire. Quarterback Brock Purdy struggled with turf toe, tight end George Kittle suffered a hamstring strain that escalated into a torn ACL, and defensive end Nick Bosa tore his ACL. Linebacker Fred Warner broke his ankle, while others, including Ricky Pearsall, Mykel Williams, and Jauan Jennings, missed valuable time.
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The rash of injuries sparked renewed attention to the theory.
General Manager John Lynch confirmed the team is aware of the claims. “Because it deals with the health and safety of our players, you have to look into everything,” Lynch said. “We aren’t going to turn a blind eye.”
Medical experts, however, remain unconvinced. UC Davis radiology professor Jerrold Bushberg dismissed any link between the substation and injuries, noting decades of research show no impact from EMF signals on muscles, ligaments, or human tissue.
Still, Rogan’s wild take has propelled the theory into the mainstream, reigniting conversations among fans, analysts, and even former players.
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With the 49ers consistently ranking among the league’s most injury-prone teams, the story isn’t going away. Rogan’s reaction, equal parts incredulity and fascination, reflects just how bizarre and captivating the saga has become, as San Francisco’s ongoing injury struggles continue to puzzle and frustrate the football world.