The San Francisco 49ers have long been the focus of a conspiracy theory suggesting that their practice facility's proximity to an electrical substation is causing a spike in player injuries. This narrative resurfaced recently when tight end George Kittle spoke to Complex, discussing a concern that while he doesn't personally subscribe to the theory, he believes it merits deeper investigation following his own observations during his rookie year in 2017. Kittle specifically mentioned the peculiar condition of some trees that were located between the practice facility and the substation. He noted that these trees seemed to never grow their leaves properly throughout the whole year, raising suspicions regarding the influence of the nearby electrical infrastructure.

Furthermore, Kittle's comments shed light on a decision made by the NFL to remove these trees this year. With the trees gone, Kittle asserted, the visibility of this odd phenomenon has been eliminated, leaving only the veteran players who recall the trees' condition as the testament to their strangeness. The narrative surrounding the condition of these trees has further fueled speculation about a possible connection between environmental factors and player health, adding an intriguing layer to conversations about athlete safety in the NFL. The ongoing discussion around this theory reflects the broader concerns about player injuries and the physical demands of modern football, prompting both fans and analysts alike to consider how external factors might contribute to the athletes' experiences on the field.