NFL Players Raise Concerns About EMF Risks at Levi's Stadium

Ahead of Super Bowl LX, players discuss potential health impacts of electrical substation near 49ers' home field

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:55pm by Ben Kaplan

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In the lead-up to Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium, NFL players have begun voicing concerns about the potential health risks posed by an electrical substation located near the 49ers' home field. Several players, including Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals and Ernest Jones of the Seattle Seahawks, have expressed worries that the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by the substation could be contributing to the 49ers' history of player injuries. While the science remains inconclusive, the growing discussion has become an "optics nightmare" for the 49ers organization, which has dismissed the concerns.

Why it matters

The EMF theory has the potential to impact the 49ers' ability to attract free agents in the future, as players may be deterred from signing with the team due to perceived health risks. Additionally, the ongoing debate highlights the broader issue of player safety in the NFL and the need for thorough scientific investigation into potential environmental factors that could be contributing to injuries.

The details

The discussion around the potential effects of the electrical substation on the health of 49ers players has gained national attention in the lead-up to Super Bowl LX. Several players, including Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals and Ernest Jones of the Seattle Seahawks, have expressed concerns about the possible risks of EMF exposure, with McBride stating that the issue "would deter people away from coming here" to play for the 49ers. The 49ers' injury history, which includes being the NFL's most injured franchise from 2013-2021, has further fueled the theory, though 49ers owner Jed York has largely dismissed the concerns.

  • The electrical substation has been located near Levi's Stadium since the stadium opened in 2014.
  • In the 2024 season, the 49ers led the NFL in the advanced statistic that measures the cumulative impact of a team's injuries.
  • This season, the 49ers ranked third in the NFL with 74 regular-season games missed by Week 1 starters before All-Pro tight end George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles.

The players

Trey McBride

An Arizona Cardinals tight end who was named to the AP All-Pro First Team this season. McBride expressed concerns that the EMF theory, if not disproven, could cost the 49ers in free agency.

Ernest Jones

A linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks who is participating in Super Bowl LX. Jones referenced the 49ers' injury history when asked about the electrical substation.

Jed York

The owner of the San Francisco 49ers, who has largely dismissed the concerns about the electrical substation, stating that "it didn't seem to affect Jerry Rice" and that the team can "debunk" the EMF theory.

Dr. David O. Carpenter

A professor at the University at Albany (State University New York) who has spent four decades studying environmental causes of human disease. Carpenter has said that "the evidence that there is some hazard is convincing to anyone who looks objectively at the data" regarding EMF exposure.

Azeez Al-Shaair

A Pro Bowl linebacker who played for the 49ers from 2019-2022 and is now with the Texans. Al-Shaair said he never heard the EMF issue discussed during his time in San Francisco.

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What they’re saying

“I think that's something that would deter people away from coming here, or vice versa, if it's not an issue, it would bring people in. But I think it's something that needs to be looked at.”

— Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals tight end (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Honestly, I just know being that close to it cannot be beneficial for your body. So if anything, it's a negative thing that they have there.”

— Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals tight end (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Is that what they're saying is why (their) injuries are happening? That's tough if that is the situation — if that is what's affecting them. That's tough. But we haven't really — we don't talk about it much.”

— Ernest Jones, Seattle Seahawks linebacker (San Francisco Chronicle)

“I don't know if it's a coincidence, but I was around that substation a lot last year. I mean, we joke around about it. I don't know if there's any actual merit to the science. I won't pretend to know. But, hopefully, we can make it out (of the Super Bowl) in one piece.”

— Eric Saubert, Seattle Seahawks backup tight end (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Obviously being around a power plant isn't healthy for you in the first place, with the things radiating off of each other and the metal and all the things in the air. I mean, it's not good to breathe.”

— Garret Bolles, Denver Broncos left tackle (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.