“Ease Into the Action: Jan. 2 NYT Connections Challenge: Uncover Hidden Sports Connections”

**Unlocking the Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle**

The New York Times has introduced a new puzzle game, Connections: Sports Edition, which is an all-graphic game grid that challenges sports fans to identify connections between different athletes. The game, which is currently in beta, is free to play daily, and its popularity will determine its future on the NYT Games app.

**Hints and Answers for Today’s Puzzle**

The latest puzzle has two images of athletes, making it a bit more challenging than usual. However, with these hints and answers, you can get a head start:

**Yellow Group Hint:** Speedy

**Yellow Group Answer:** Fast

**Green Group Hint:** Singular soccer teams

**Green Group Answer:** MLS teams, in singular form (Earthquake, Sounder, Timber, Whitecap)

**Blue Group Hint:** Triumphant TEs

**Blue Group Answer:** NFL career yards leaders among tight ends (Gates, Gonzalez, Kelce, Witten)

**Purple Group Hint:** Big Apple jocks

**Purple Group Answer:** New York athletes (Ionescu, Judge, Rodgers, Shesterkin)

**What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?**

The completed puzzle features two athlete photos, which may or may not be recognizable to sports enthusiasts. By identifying the connections between the athletes, you can solve the puzzle and claim your victory.

**How to Play the Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle**

To play the puzzle, simply look at the images and try to identify the connections between the athletes. Use the hints provided to guide you, and see if you can solve the puzzle within the allotted time.

**FAQs**

Q: What is the Connections: Sports Edition puzzle?
A: The puzzle is a daily, all-graphic game grid that challenges sports fans to identify connections between different athletes.

Q: Is the Connections: Sports Edition puzzle free to play?
A: Yes, the puzzle is currently free to play daily, while it is still in beta.

Q: How do I play the Connections: Sports Edition puzzle?
A: To play the puzzle, look at the images and try to identify the connections between the athletes. Use the hints provided to guide you, and see if you can solve the puzzle within the allotted time.

Q: How do I get the answers to the Connections: Sports Edition puzzle?
A: You can find the answers in this article, or you can try to solve the puzzle yourself and see how many of the connections you can identify.

**Conclusion**

The Connections: Sports Edition puzzle is a fun and challenging way for sports enthusiasts to engage with their favorite athletes and teams. With its visually appealing design and clever connections, this puzzle is sure to delight and entertain, while also testing your knowledge and skills. Give it a try today and see if you can unlock its secrets!