pick six
What is the definition of a pick six in football?
1. A pick six occurs when a quarterback throws an interception and the defensive player returns it for a touchdown, resulting in six points.
Since “pick” is another word for interception and the outcome of a touchdown is six points, the term “pick six” was formed.
What is a pick six?
In American football, pick six is a term used when a defensive player intercepts the ball thrown by the opposing team’s quarterback and runs it into the end zone for a touchdown.
This play is a game-changer because it results in an immediate score for the defensive team and can swing the momentum of the game in their favor. It’s an exciting play to watch and often leads to an energetic celebration from the defense and their fans.
Is a pick 6 considered a touchdown?
A pick six is a type of football touchdown that occurs when a defensive player intercepts the ball thrown by the opposing team’s quarterback and runs it into the end zone to score. However, while every pick six is a touchdown, not all touchdowns are pick sixes.
How many points is a pick six worth?
A pick six is worth six points since the interception is returned for a touchdown, and a touchdown is worth six points. As with any touchdown, the team that intercepts the ball and scores then has the opportunity to score an extra point with a kick.
Doug Engle/USA TODAY Sports
How does a pick 6 work?
A pick six occurs when a defensive player intercepts a pass thrown by the opposing team’s quarterback and runs it back into the end zone for a touchdown.
The play starts with the defensive player reading the quarterback’s throw and making a move to catch the ball. Once they have the ball, they must navigate past any opposing players and run it all the way back to the end zone without being tackled.
How many yards does a player need to return a pick 6 for a touchdown?
A player needs to return a pick six for a touchdown by running the ball into the opposing team’s end zone, which is on one end of a standard 100-yard-long football field. However, the actual distance a player needs to run can vary depending on the location of the interception.
What number of points is a pick six worth?
A pick six is worth six points in American football.
What happens after a pick six?
After a pick six, the team that intercepted the ball scores six points, just like a regular touchdown. They also get a chance to kick an extra point or go for a two-point conversion. After that, the team that scored will have to punt the ball to the opposing team, who will then start their next offensive possession.
Can you go for an extra point on a pick 6?
The team that scored a pick six can attempt an extra point kick or a two-point conversion, just like after any other touchdown.
What is the difference between a pick six and an interception?
A pick six is an interception that the intercepting player returns for a touchdown. All pick sixes are interceptions, but most interceptions are not returned for touchdowns.
What happens if a player fumbles the ball after intercepting it on a pick six attempt?
If a player intercepts the ball on a pick six attempt and then fumbles it before crossing the goal line, the play is no longer a touchdown. In this case, the ball becomes live again, and any player from either team can recover it.
If the defense recovers the ball, they will continue their possession from where it was recovered. If the offense recovers the ball, they will continue their possession with a first down.
What is the difference between a pick six and a fumble recovery touchdown?
A pick six occurs when a defensive player intercepts a pass from the opposing team’s quarterback and returns it for a touchdown. In contrast, a fumble recovery touchdown occurs when a defensive player recovers a fumble by the opposing team and runs it into the end zone.
The main difference is that a fumble recovery touchdown does not involve an interception but rather a recovery of a loose ball.
Can a pick six be scored during overtime?
A pick six can be scored during overtime, resulting in an immediate victory for the team that scored the touchdown.
What defensive players typically return pick sixes?
Any defensive player can return a pick 6, but some positions are more likely to do so than others. Linebackers and defensive backs, who are responsible for covering wide receivers and reading the quarterback, are most likely to get interceptions and return them for touchdowns. However, occasionally a defensive lineman can intercept a pass and score a pick six as well.
Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports
Why do they call it a pick six?
When a defensive player intercepts a pass, it’s referred to as a “pick” in reference to “picking off the forward pass.” The team is awarded six points when that interception/pick is returned for a touchdown.
A touchdown is worth six points, which is why an interception returned for a touchdown is called a pick six. The six points are awarded upon scoring, then the team has the option to go for an extra-point kick or two-point conversion.
Why are interceptions called picks?
Interceptions are called “picks” because it is short for “picked off.” The term “picked off” is used in football to describe an interception because it means that the defender has taken possession of the ball that was intended for the offensive player. It’s like saying the defender has “picked” the ball out of the air before it reached the intended target and has effectively stolen the ball from the opposing team.
Who invented the term pick six?
The exact origin of the term “pick six” is unclear. It is believed to have been popularized by sports broadcasters and commentators in the late 1990s or early 2000s to describe the play where a defensive player intercepts a pass and runs it back for a touchdown.
Is pick 6 a slang term?
“Pick six” is a slang term commonly used in American football to describe a play where a defensive player intercepts a pass and returns it for a touchdown.
Is a pick six good in football?
A pick six is considered a great play in American football, as it not only results in a touchdown for the defense but can also be a game-changer that can swing the game’s momentum in favor of the defensive team.
How rare is a pick 6?
While interceptions happen fairly regularly, a pick six is rare. Nevertheless, it’s one of the most exciting plays in football. It requires a combination of quick reflexes, excellent anticipation and exceptional athleticism on the part of the defensive player to intercept the pass and return it all the way to the end zone.
Is it easier to score a pick six against a rookie or veteran quarterback?
It can be easier to score a pick six against a rookie quarterback than a veteran quarterback because a rookie may be more prone to making mistakes or telegraphing their passes, making it easier for a defender to intercept the ball. However, it still requires skill and preparation to make such a play.
How often does a pick six happen in an NFL football game?
Pick sixes are rare in football, and the chance of one happening in a National Football League (NFL) game varies based on the quality of the quarterbacks, the strength of the defenses and the overall style of play. However, there is an approximately 11% chance of a pick 6 happening in any given game.
How does a pick six affect a player’s stats for the game?
A pick six can significantly impact a player’s stats for the game. When a defensive player scores a pick six, they will be credited with an interception return for a touchdown, which counts towards their overall statistics.
What is a pick 2 in football?
“Pick two” is a relatively new football rule that started in college football and was first allowed in the NFL in 2015. It refers to a play in which the defense intercepts a pass during a two-point conversion attempt and returns it for a touchdown, scoring two points for their team. Similar to a pick six, this is a game-changing play that has the potential to be a highlight reel moment for the defense.
Can a pick six be scored on a two-point conversion attempt?
A pick six cannot be scored on a two-point conversion attempt in football. However, a defensive player can intercept a pass on a two-point conversion and return it to the opposite end zone for a “pick 2,” which is worth two points for the defensive team.
What are some of the most memorable pick sixes in NFL history?
Some of the most memorable pick sixes in the history of the NFL include:
- Tracy Porter’s pick six in Super Bowl XLIV sealed the New Orleans Saints victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Porter made the interception at a critical moment in the fourth quarter and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown.
- Ed Reed, a former Baltimore Ravens safety, holds the record for the longest interception return for a touchdown in NFL history. In 2008, during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Reed intercepted a pass in his own end zone and returned it an impressive 107 yards for a touchdown.
- Robert Alford intercepted a pass thrown by Tom Brady in Super Bowl LI. He returned it 82 yards for a touchdown, giving the Atlanta Falcons a 21-0 lead. Although the Patriots eventually came back to win the game, Alford’s pick-six was one of the most memorable plays of the game.
Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports
Who has scored the most pick sixes in NFL history?
The player with the most pick sixes in history is Rod Woodson, who returned 12 interceptions for touchdowns from 1987-2003.
Following Woodson, here are the players with the most all-time interception returns for touchdowns in NFL history as of 2022:
- Darren Sharper: 11 pick sixes from 1997-2010
- Charles Woodson: 11 pick sixes from 1998-2015
- Aqib Talib: 10 pick sixes from 2008-2019
- Ken Houston: 9 pick sixes from 1967-1980
- Deion Sanders: 9 pick sixes from 1989-2005
- Aeneas Williams: 9 pick sixes from 1991-2004
Who has thrown the most pick sixes in NFL history?
As of 2022, Brett Favre has thrown the most pick sixes in history with 32 over his 20 seasons in pro football.
After Favre, these players rank next in all-time quarterback pick sixes as of 2022:
- Dan Marino: Threw 29 pick sixes between 1983-1999
- Matthew Stafford: Threw 29 pick sixes between 2009-2022
- Joe Namath: Threw 28 pick sixes between 1965-1977
- Drew Brees: Threw 27 pick sixes between 2001-2020
- Peyton Manning: Threw 27 pick sixes between 1998-2015
- Phillip Rivers: Threw 25 pick sixes between 2004-2020
- Carson Palmer: Threw 23 pick sixes between 2004-2017
- Vinny Testaverde: Threw 23 pick sixes between 1987-2007
SportsLingo goes the extra-inch with the meaning of pick six
There aren’t many other plays in football that can change the momentum of a game more than an interception returned for a touchdown. In order for a team to record a pick six, a lot of things have to fall into place. It all starts with the defensive back coming up with the interception, but just as important is the blocking in front of the player by their teammates to help clear a path to the end zone.
Many times, a defensive back will simply run out of bounds or fall to the ground after an interception to ensure that his team retains possession and so that he does not turn over the ball. However, if a player intercepts the ball on their opponent’s side of the field, then the player may try to run it back for a touchdown due to their proximity to the end zone.
Example of how pick six is used in commentary
1. The cornerback takes the interception down the sideline for a 65-yard pick six.
Sports the term is used
1. Football
Also seen as:
1. Pick 6
