At a Glance
- NYT released its Sports Edition Connections puzzle.
- The puzzle features four themed groups: soccer statistics, punt play roles, Sams, and coach titles.
- Answers include assist, goal, save, shot; gunner, long snapper, punter, returner; Coffey, Darnold, Kerr, Presti; assistant, bench, head, pitching.
- Why it matters: Puzzle fans can solve the challenge and enjoy a themed crossword experience.
The NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle offers a unique blend of sports trivia. It was released as a daily challenge for fans on December 28, 2025, and includes four distinct groups with themed answers.
Group Themes and Answers

Soccer Statistics (Yellow)
- Assist
- Goal
- Save
- Shot
Punt Play Roles (Green)
- Gunner
- Long snapper
- Punter
- Returner
Sams (Blue)
- Coffey
- Darnold
- Kerr
- Presti
Coach Titles (Purple)
- Assistant
- Bench
- Head
- Pitching
Puzzle Structure Overview
| Group | Theme | Answers |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Soccer statistics | Assist, Goal, Save, Shot |
| Green | Punt play roles | Gunner, Long snapper, Punter, Returner |
| Blue | Sams | Coffey, Darnold, Kerr, Presti |
| Purple | Coach titles | Assistant, Bench, Head, Pitching |
The puzzle’s structure encourages players to identify patterns and connections within each group, making it a fun exercise for sports enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- The puzzle groups cover soccer, American football, and coaching terminology.
- Each group contains exactly four answers that fit the theme.
- Solving the puzzle offers a satisfying way to test sports knowledge.
The NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle showcases how themed wordplay can engage fans across multiple sports disciplines.

