At a Glance
- The puzzle groups words into four themes: exhaustion, weightlifting, Aaron Rodgers teams, and NHL logos.
- Answers include fade, fatigue, tire, weaken for exhaustion and bench, curl, deadlift, squat for weightlifting.
- The puzzle is available on The Athletic’s app, not in the NYT Games app.
The NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle released on Jan. 27, 2026 challenged players to match words into four distinct categories. The game, published by The Athletic-a subscription-based sports journalism site owned by The Times-offers a fresh way to engage with sports trivia, even though it does not appear in the NYT Games app.
How the Puzzle Works
Players receive a list of 16 words and must group them into four sets of four. Each set shares a common theme, revealed only after the words are matched. The puzzle is designed for quick, daily play, with a new set released each week.
Group Hints
The puzzle comes with color-coded hints to aid players:
| Color | Hint | Theme | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Zzzz… | Grow exhausted | fade, fatigue, tire, weaken |
| Green | Think Arnold Schwarzenegger | Weight exercises | bench, curl, deadlift, squat |
| Blue | (Former) leader of the Pack | Aaron Rodgers teams | California, Green Bay, New York, Pittsburgh |
| Purple | On hockey attire | Found in NHL team logos | Long Island, musical note, oil drop, wheel |
These hints are intentionally cryptic, encouraging players to think laterally.
Detailed Answers
Yellow Group – Grow Exhausted
The theme is a play on the phrase “grow exhausted.” The words fade, fatigue, tire, and weaken all describe diminishing energy or strength. This set demonstrates how synonyms can be grouped under a single conceptual umbrella.
Green Group – Weight Exercises
The green hint references Arnold Schwarzenegger, a famed bodybuilder. The four words-bench, curl, deadlift, and squat-are classic weight-lifting movements, each targeting different muscle groups.
Blue Group – Aaron Rodgers Teams
Aaron Rodgers has played for several teams in the NFL. The words California, Green Bay, New York, and Pittsburgh correspond to the Los Angeles Raiders (California), Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively.
Purple Group – Found in NHL Team Logos
The purple hint alludes to hockey attire. The words Long Island, musical note, oil drop, and wheel appear in various National Hockey League team logos. For example, the Long Island Ducks use a duck icon, while the New York Rangers incorporate a musical note in their crest.
Why It Matters
NYT Connections puzzles are part of a larger trend of daily brain teasers that blend entertainment with quick cognitive challenges. By incorporating sports themes, the puzzle taps into a wide audience of fans who enjoy testing their knowledge of teams, players, and terminology. The Athletic’s partnership with The Times extends the reach of these puzzles beyond the traditional news app.
How to Play on The Athletic’s App
- Download the free The Athletic app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Navigate to the puzzle section under “Games.”
- Select the latest NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle.
- Drag and drop words into the four categories, using the hints to guide you.
- Submit your answers to see how many you got right.
The app provides instant feedback and a leaderboard, adding a competitive edge to the daily challenge.
Behind the Scenes
The puzzle was crafted by a team of writers and editors at The Athletic, drawing on the rich history of sports journalism. While the puzzle’s design is playful, it reflects a broader commitment to engaging readers with interactive content.
Key Takeaways
- The NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle offers four distinct themes, each tied to a different aspect of sports.
- Answers are grouped under exhaustion, weightlifting, Aaron Rodgers teams, and NHL logos.
- The puzzle is accessible via The Athletic’s app, not the NYT Games app.
- The game exemplifies how traditional news outlets are embracing interactive media to capture modern audiences.
By solving the puzzle, players sharpen their vocabulary, test their sports knowledge, and enjoy a quick mental workout. The next puzzle will be released on Jan. 34, 2026, continuing the weekly tradition.
