What Does a Pick Six Mean in Football?

By Sarah Miller · December 22, 2046

In American football, a pick six occurs when a defensive player intercepts a quarterback's pass and returns it for a touchdown. The term combines “pick” (slang for interception) and “six” (referencing the six points awarded for a touchdown). This game-changing play not only halts the offense but immediately scores, often shifting momentum dramatically.

What Is a Pick Six in Football?

A pick six is one of the most electrifying plays in football. It happens when a defensive player catches a pass intended for an offensive receiver—an interception—and runs or passes it back into the opposing end zone for a touchdown. Because touchdowns are worth six points, the play is called a “pick six.”

How Does a Pick Six Happen?

The quarterback throws a forward pass intended for a receiver.
A defensive player (usually a cornerback or safety) reads the play and intercepts the ball.
Instead of going down, the defender advances the ball toward the opponent's end zone.
If the defender reaches the end zone without being tackled, it results in a touchdown.

Why Is It Called a Pick Six?

The nickname comes from two parts: “pick” and “six.” In football slang, an interception is often referred to as a “pick,” short for “picked off.” The “six” refers to the six points awarded for a touchdown. So, when a defender picks off a pass and returns it for a score, it’s a “pick six.”

Origin of the Term

While the exact origin is unclear, the term gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s as sports broadcasters and fans adopted more colorful language. It’s now widely used across NFL commentary, college football, and fantasy football discussions.

Impact of a Pick Six on the Game

A pick six does more than just add six points to the scoreboard. It can:

Shift momentum quickly in favor of the defense.
Demoralize the opposing quarterback and offense.
Change field position drastically.
Act as a turning point in close games.

Coaches often emphasize ball security to avoid such costly turnovers.

Notable Players with the Most Pick Sixes

Certain defensive players have built reputations on their ability to turn interceptions into touchdowns. Here are some of the top performers in NFL history based on career pick sixes.

Player	Position	Team(s)	Career Pick Sixes	Years Active
Rod Woodson	CB/S	Steelers, Ravens, Raiders, Broncos	7	1987–2003
Ronnie Lott	S/CB	49ers, Jets, Rams	6	1981–1994
Deion Sanders	CB	Falcons, 49ers, Cowboys, Redskins, Ravens	6	1989–2005
Ed Reed	S	Ravens, Texans, Jets	6	2002–2013
Charles Woodson	CB/S	Raiders, Packers	5	1998–2015

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows that elite defensive backs like Rod Woodson and Ed Reed excelled at converting interceptions into touchdowns. While most players record 1–2 pick sixes in a career, legends average over five, demonstrating exceptional field vision and speed. These plays often define Hall of Fame-caliber careers.

Can a Pick Six Be Scored by Passing the Ball?

Yes, though rare. If a defensive player intercepts the ball and laterals or throws it to a teammate who scores, it still counts as a pick six—credited to the original interceptor. This rule allows creative defensive plays, especially near the end of halves.

Strategies to Avoid a Pick Six

Quarterbacks and offensive coordinators use several tactics to reduce the risk:

Reading defensive coverages pre-snap.
Avoiding risky throws into tight windows.
Using quick passes to minimize hang time.
Practicing ball security under pressure.

Defensive units, meanwhile, study quarterback tendencies to anticipate throws and set up potential pick six opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pick Six in Football

What does pick six mean in football?

A pick six occurs when a defensive player intercepts a forward pass and returns it for a touchdown, scoring six points for their team.

How many points is a pick six worth?

A pick six is worth six points, the standard value of a touchdown. The defensive team may also attempt an extra point or two-point conversion afterward.

Can a pick six happen on any down?

Yes, a pick six can occur on any down as long as the interception is made during a legal forward pass attempt. It’s most common on passing downs like 2nd or 3rd down.

Who gets credit for a pick six?

The player who initially intercepts the pass is credited with the pick six, even if they later lateral or throw the ball to a teammate who crosses the goal line.

Has anyone ever had multiple pick sixes in one game?

Yes, though it’s extremely rare. Kansas City Chiefs' Janoris Jenkins recorded two pick sixes in a single game in 2020, joining an elite group in NFL history.

Is a pick six the same as a fumble return touchdown?

No. A pick six specifically results from an intercepted pass. A fumble return touchdown occurs when a defensive player recovers a loose ball (fumble) and scores. Both are defensive touchdowns but differ in how possession changes.