Stumped by today’s puzzle? Here are the hints and full solutions to the Sports Edition of Connections, including player nicknames and clever wordplay.
What Is Connections: Sports Edition?
Connections: Sports Edition is the athletic spin on the popular NYT Connections puzzle—except this version is curated by The Athletic. It challenges you to group 16 sports-related words into four sets of four, based on a common theme.
You won’t find this version in the NYT Games app, but it’s accessible via The Athletic app or its free online portal. Today’s puzzle (#393) focuses heavily on football, baseball stats, and athlete nicknames—so let’s break it down.
Hints for Today’s Groups (Oct. 21, 2025)
If you’re close and just want a nudge, here are tiered hints for each group, listed from easiest (Yellow) to most challenging (Purple):
- 🟨 Yellow Group Hint: Think NFL teams in one division.
- 🟩 Green Group Hint: Common baseball stat abbreviations.
- 🟦 Blue Group Hint: Nicknames that begin with “Big”.
- 🟪 Purple Group Hint: All can follow the name “____ Ward”.
Today’s Connections: Sports Edition Answers
Here’s the full breakdown of today’s puzzle with explanations:
🟨 Yellow Group – AFC North Players:
Bengal, Brown, Raven, Steeler
These are the four teams in the NFL’s AFC North division: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
🟩 Green Group – Baseball Stats (Abbreviated):
BB, ERA, SO, WHIP
All standard abbreviations used in baseball statistics:
- BB = Base on Balls (Walks)
- ERA = Earned Run Average
- SO = Strikeout
- WHIP = Walks and Hits per Inning Pitched
🟦 Blue Group – “Big” Athlete Nicknames:
Aristotle, Dumper, Mac, Papi
These nicknames are often preceded by “Big”:
- Big Aristotle – Shaquille O’Neal
- Big Dumper – Cal Raleigh
- Big Mac – Mark McGwire
- Big Papi – David Ortiz
🟪 Purple Group – Names Before “Ward”:
Cam, Charlie, Denzel, Hines
Each of these first names pairs with the surname Ward:
- Cam Ward (Hockey)
- Charlie Ward (College football / NBA)
- Denzel Ward (NFL, Cleveland Browns)
- Hines Ward (NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers)
The NYT Connections: Sports Edition for Oct. 21 (#393) grouped sports terms by NFL teams, baseball stats, “Big” nicknames, and names that precede “Ward.” Themes covered AFC North players, abbreviated MLB stats, iconic athlete nicknames, and real player names.
