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If you watch football for even a few games, you will hear announcers shout, “Pick six!” It is one of the most dramatic and game-changing plays you can see. For beginners, the phrase sounds technical, but it is actually simple once you break it down. This guide explains exactly what a pick six is, why it matters so much, how it happens, and how teams try to create—or avoid—it. We will also walk through rules, famous moments, basic strategy, and some fun facts so you feel confident the next time you hear the crowd erupt after a sudden defensive touchdown.
What Is a Pick Six?
Breaking Down the Term
A “pick six” is a defensive touchdown scored on an interception. The word “pick” is slang for an interception, which happens when a defensive player catches a pass intended for an offensive player. The “six” refers to the six points awarded for a touchdown. Put together, a pick six is when a defender intercepts a pass and returns it all the way to the end zone for a six-point score.
It does not matter which defender makes the play or where the interception happens on the field. If the defense gains possession by intercepting the ball and the same play ends with the ball carried into the offense’s end zone, that is a pick six. It is one of the fastest ways a game can flip from advantage offense to points for the defense.
How the Play Unfolds, Step by Step
Here is the simple sequence. The quarterback throws a forward pass. A defender catches it in the air before it hits the ground, gaining possession. That defender becomes a runner and attempts to advance the ball. If he reaches the end zone without being tackled, stepping out of bounds, or fumbling it away, the result is a defensive touchdown—specifically, a pick six.
If the defender is tackled before reaching the end zone, it is only an interception, not a pick six. If the defender fumbles during the return and the offense recovers, the defense loses the chance to score on that play. If a teammate of the interceptor receives a legal lateral and takes it to the end zone on the same play, it still counts as a defensive touchdown created by an interception, and fans will still call it a pick six.
Why Pick Sixes Feel So Big
Pick sixes swing momentum and points at the same time. The offense expects to gain yardage or score. Instead, the defense scores immediately. In a few seconds, one team loses the ball and gives up six points, and the other team adds a touchdown without even having its offense on the field. That emotional jolt can change the feel of a game and the strategy that follows. Coaches talk about “sudden change” moments, and a pick six might be the biggest sudden change of them all.
The Basics of Interceptions
What Counts as an Interception?
An interception is when a defensive player legally catches a forward pass before it hits the ground. The defender must control the ball and have both feet inbounds in the NFL or one foot inbounds in most college rules, with additional requirements for completing the catch through contact. If the ball is tipped by a receiver or defender and then caught by another defender, it still counts as an interception. If the ball touches the ground first, it is incomplete, not an interception.
Once the defense intercepts the pass, the play continues as a live ball. The return is allowed unless the returner is down by contact, gives himself up by sliding, signals a fair catch before possessing the ball, or steps out of bounds. The defense can try to return the ball as far as possible, which is where the pick six comes from.
Who Gets Most Pick Sixes?
Any defender can score a pick six, but defensive backs get them most often. Cornerbacks and safeties have the best angle on passes because they cover receivers and read quarterbacks. Linebackers get them on short throws like slants, quick outs, screens, or when they drop into zone coverage. Defensive linemen sometimes snag a tipped pass at close range and rumble in for a score, which fans love because it is rare and dramatic. Although anyone can finish a return, the players most likely to create a pick six are the ones with strong instincts, ball skills, and speed.
Scoring and Rules You Should Know
How Many Points Is a Pick Six Worth?
A pick six is a touchdown, which is worth six points. After the touchdown, the scoring team gets a chance to add more points with a try—either a one-point kick (extra point) or a two-point conversion attempt from short yardage. So a pick six typically leads to six points plus the chance for one or two more.
After the Pick Six: Extra Points and Conversions
Once the defense scores a pick six, that same team attempts the extra point or two-point conversion. The special teams unit usually comes on for the kick, or the offense may attempt a two-point play. In the NFL and college football, the defense can also return a failed try for two points. That specific return is not a pick six—it is just called a defensive two-point return—but it is related because it shows how the ball is still live on conversion attempts.
Differences Across Levels
The core idea of a pick six is consistent across high school, college, and the NFL: an interception returned for a touchdown equals six points. The spotting of the ball for conversion attempts and some clock rules differ across levels, but those details do not change what a pick six is. If you are watching college or pro games, the basics are the same—intercept the ball, return it to the end zone, score six.
Fumbles and Laterals on Returns
After an interception, the returner and his teammates can lateral the ball as long as the lateral goes backward or sideways. The goal is to extend the return if there is space. This is exciting but risky. If the defense laterals and fumbles, the offense can recover and end the threat. Coaches often teach smart, conservative returns unless the path is clear. If a teammate receives a legal lateral and scores, the touchdown still counts. The initial interceptor is credited with the interception in the stats, while the player who crosses the goal line is credited with the touchdown. Fans will still call it a pick six because the play started with an interception and ended in a defensive touchdown.
Common Situations That Lead to Pick Sixes
Quarterback Mistakes
Many pick sixes come from timing errors or poor decisions by the quarterback. Late throws to the outside are especially dangerous because cornerbacks can break in front of the receiver. Staring down a target gives defenders a clue where the ball is going. Throwing off the back foot or under pressure can float the ball and make the pass easy to jump. Young quarterbacks often learn the hard way that a split-second delay can be the difference between a 10-yard gain and a touchdown for the other team.
Receiver Route Errors
Sometimes the receiver is at fault. If a receiver rounds off a cut instead of making a sharp break, the defender can beat him to the spot. If two receivers run the wrong routes and end up too close together, the defense can crowd the area. Miscommunication between quarterback and receiver—one expects a curl while the other expects a go route—can lead to a throw directly at a defender who is ready to make a play.
Pressure and Blitzes
Pressure forces rushed throws. Defensive coordinators design blitzes to speed up the quarterback’s internal clock. When the quarterback tries to beat a blitz by firing quickly to a hot read, a prepared defender can jump the route. Even when there is not a blitz, a strong pass rush can cause hurried footwork and poor ball placement, which increases the chance of a tipped ball or a pass behind the receiver. Both are prime pick six fuel.
Screen Passes and RPOs
Screen passes and run-pass options (RPOs) rely on precise timing. If a defender reads a screen early, he can step into the passing lane. Because screens are thrown near the line of scrimmage, a defender who intercepts often has a short and clear route to the end zone. With RPOs, if the quarterback pulls the ball and throws late, the window can close fast, leading to tipped passes and breakaway returns.
Red Zone and Goal Line Picks
Pick sixes near the opponent’s goal line are rare but devastating. Offenses typically throw shorter routes in the red zone, and defenders play tighter coverage. If a defender snatches a pass with a head start, he might have a long field with fewer offensive players in position to tackle. A famous example is James Harrison’s 100-yard pick six in the Super Bowl, which flipped the game in an instant. While most red zone interceptions do not go back for a touchdown, the ones that do change everything.
Technique and Strategy Behind Pick Sixes
Reading the Quarterback
Great defensive backs read the quarterback’s drop, shoulders, and eyes. On quick-game throws, they look for three-step drops or shotgun rhythm throws and anticipate slants, hitches, or outs. If the quarterback locks onto a target, a corner can break early. Savvy defenders also read the route combinations and know where the quarterback is most likely to go based on formation and down-and-distance.
Zone Versus Man Coverage Tactics
In man coverage, defenders follow their assigned receiver and try to undercut the route if the timing is right. In zone coverage, defenders guard space, watch the quarterback, and break on the ball when it enters their area. Many pick sixes come from zone looks because defenders face the quarterback and can jump throws in front of them. However, man coverage pick sixes happen when a cornerback anticipates an out route or a quick stop and breaks faster than the receiver.
Ball Skills and Turn Defense Into Offense
Defenders with wide-receiver-like hands and coordination make more plays. Catching through contact, tipping the ball to themselves, and securing the ball at full speed all matter. Once they have the ball, it becomes a running play. Vision and speed turn a simple interception into a pick six. Taking a smart angle, setting up blocks, hugging the sideline, and protecting the ball help finish the play.
Blocking for the Return
After an interception, the rest of the defense instantly transitions into a return team. The nearest players aim to block the intended receiver and any nearby linemen. Defensive linemen look for the quarterback, who often tries to make the tackle. Some teams even practice specific “return right” or “return left” calls after a pick. A single good block can spring the returner for the last 20 yards and make the difference between a long return and a pick six.
Coaching Strategies to Create Pick Six Chances
Defensive coordinators set traps. They disguise coverages to make the quarterback think a receiver is open. For example, a corner might show off coverage, then sink under a route at the snap. Safeties rotate after the snap to change the picture. Coordinators also study tendencies: down-and-distance, formations, and favorite concepts. When they know a quick out is coming on third-and-short, they encourage corners to drive on the route. Playing that risk-reward game is how defenses create pick six opportunities.
How Offenses Try to Avoid Pick Sixes
Quarterback Decision-Making
Quarterbacks protect the ball by throwing on time, looking off defenders, and avoiding late throws outside. Pre-snap, they identify potential traps like a cornerback hovering in space or a safety creeping toward a route. Post-snap, they confirm the look matches what they expected. If not, they move to a different receiver or throw the ball away. Discipline avoids disaster.
Receiver Discipline and Details
Receivers must run crisp routes at the right depth. They cannot drift on out routes or sit too shallow on hitches. They also fight for the ball at the catch point. A strong break and a strong catch reduce the chance of a defender jumping the route. Coaches drill timing between quarterback and receiver so the ball arrives before the defender can react.
Play Design and Spacing
Good play design helps prevent pick sixes. Offenses use bunch formations and motion to create free releases and make it harder for defenders to jump short routes. They pair inside routes with outside routes so a defender cannot leave his zone without giving up something else. When an offense forces a defender to choose between two threats, defenders are less likely to gamble on a pick.
Emergency Mode After an Interception
Coaches also teach what to do after a turnover. Offensive players immediately become tacklers. The goal is to force the returner to the sideline, buy time for teammates to rally, and prevent the touchdown. Quarterbacks are taught to take a safe angle and avoid dangerous collisions while still trying to stop the return. Many potential pick sixes are stopped by a quick tackle within a few yards.
Famous Pick Six Moments
Super Bowl Highlights
Some of the most memorable pick sixes happened on the biggest stage. In Super Bowl XLIII, James Harrison of the Steelers returned an interception 100 yards on the final play of the first half, swinging momentum and helping Pittsburgh win the game. In Super Bowl XLIV, Tracy Porter of the Saints jumped a route thrown by Peyton Manning and returned it for a late touchdown, sealing New Orleans’ first championship. In Super Bowl LI, Robert Alford of the Falcons intercepted Tom Brady and returned it 82 yards for a score in the first half, a play that looked like a dagger before the Patriots mounted a historic comeback.
College Classics
College fans remember Kelee Ringo’s pick six for Georgia in the College Football Playoff National Championship game in January 2022. With Alabama trying to drive late, Ringo stepped in front of a pass and returned it 79 yards for a touchdown, clinching the title for the Bulldogs. College football, with its wide variety of offenses and young quarterbacks, produces dramatic pick sixes every year that swing rivalry games and bowl matchups.
Stats and Analytics: How Big Is a Pick Six?
How Often Does It Happen?
Across a full NFL season, there are usually dozens of pick sixes—often in the range of 50 to 70. Some weeks pass without one. Other weeks, you might see multiple across the league. The number varies based on quarterback play, defensive aggression, and pure luck. Tipped passes and bounces can turn a routine throw into a highlight in a heartbeat.
Field Position and Return Lanes
Pick sixes are more common when the defense intercepts with open field ahead. That often means throws to the sideline or quick throws near midfield where the returner can find a lane. Interceptions near the defense’s own goal line sometimes become long returns because the offense is spread out and caught off guard, but most are tackled quickly. Meanwhile, interceptions thrown near the offense’s own goal line give the defense a short path to the end zone, so even a single broken tackle can finish the job.
Win Probability and Momentum
Analytically, a pick six can change win probability by a large amount, sometimes 10 to 30 percentage points or more depending on the game situation. The defense not only earns six points but also wipes out the offense’s drive. Psychologically, teams feel that swing. Offenses may become cautious after allowing a pick six, while defenses often attack even more, sensing the opponent’s hesitancy.
Trends Over Time
Modern offenses throw more often than in past eras, which increases interception opportunities. At the same time, quarterbacks are trained to make faster, safer decisions, and rules favor passing. The result is a balance: while total passing has risen, many teams build their schemes to protect the ball. Defensive coordinators counter with disguise and speed, keeping pick six totals fairly steady from year to year.
Pick Six Versus Other Defensive Scores
What About “Scoop and Score”?
A scoop-and-score is a fumble returned for a touchdown. It can look similar to a pick six but starts with a loose ball on the ground rather than a caught pass. Scoop-and-score plays are also huge momentum swings, but they are not interceptions. The techniques and situations are different. Fumbles often happen in traffic near the line of scrimmage, while pick sixes come from passes.
Safeties and “Pick Two” Returns
A safety is worth two points and occurs when the offense is tackled in its own end zone, commits certain fouls in the end zone, or fumbles out of its end zone. This is unrelated to interceptions. There is also a specific play after touchdowns called the try. On tries, if the offense’s kick or two-point attempt is blocked or intercepted and the defense returns it to the other end zone, the defense gets two points. Fans sometimes call an intercepted two-point try taken the other way a “pick two.” It is not a pick six because it is worth two, not six.
Coaching and Practice: Teaching Pick Six Fundamentals
Drills for Ball Skills and Vision
Defensive coaches run drills that simulate common throws. Corners practice breaking on slants, outs, and hitches coming out of their backpedal. Safeties practice reading the quarterback while keeping depth. Linebackers practice getting hands into passing lanes and catching tipped balls. After the catch, coaches teach return skills: following lead blockers, switching the ball to the outside arm, and staying tight to the sideline to reduce risk.
Safe and Smart Returns
Young players love the idea of laterals and long returns, but coaches emphasize situational awareness. If blocking is set and the lane is clean, push the return. If not, secure the ball and get what you can. The first defender to the returner should find the most dangerous tackler, often the intended receiver or the quarterback, and block legally without penalties. A good return is a team effort requiring discipline, not just speed.
Film Study and Tendencies
Pick sixes often come from preparation. Players learn the opponents’ favorite concepts on third down, their red zone patterns, and how certain quarterbacks behave under pressure. If a team loves quick outs to convert third-and-4, corners memorize the timing and sit on the route when the moment is right. Film study tells defenders when to be aggressive and when to stay patient.
Common Myths and Quick Answers
Does the Quarterback Always Deserve the Blame?
Not always. Statistically, the quarterback is charged with the interception. But the cause might be a receiver running the wrong route, a tipped ball, or pressure disrupting timing. Coaches review the film to assign responsibility. From a fan’s perspective, it is helpful to look at the whole picture: decision, timing, placement, and route execution all matter.
Is a Tip Drill Pick Six Still a Pick Six?
Yes. If a pass bounces off a receiver or defender and the defense catches it and returns it for a touchdown, it is still an interception return for a touchdown. The reality of football is that bounces happen, and defenses practice to capitalize on them. The original intent of the throw does not matter once the ball is tipped.
Is an Interception on a Two-Point Try That Is Returned a Pick Six?
No. That play is a defensive two-point return. It is exciting and can swing a game, but it is only worth two points. The term “pick six” is reserved for interception returns that result in a six-point touchdown during regular play.
What If the Interception Happens in the End Zone?
If a defender intercepts the ball in his own end zone, he has options. He can take a knee for a touchback, bringing the ball out to a set spot. Or he can try to return it. If he returns it all the way to the opposite end zone, it is a pick six. Many coaches prefer the touchback when the coverage team is closing in, because getting tackled inside the 10-yard line can hurt field position. But if the defender sees open grass, the return is on.
Fun Facts and Records
Notable NFL Marks
James Harrison’s 100-yard pick six in the Super Bowl is one of the most famous plays in football history. Ed Reed holds the NFL record for the longest interception return at 108 yards during the regular season, showing how a defender’s vision and speed can change a game instantly. As for quarterbacks, Brett Favre is often cited for having thrown the most career pick sixes. These facts remind us that even legends get caught, and even defenders can become game-winning stars.
Frequency and Impact
Despite how big they feel, pick sixes are rare enough to remain special. Over a long season, fans might see a handful for their favorite team, if that. Yet each one is unforgettable because of the sudden shock. In a tight game, a single pick six can be the difference between winning and losing, and it can stick in the memory for years.
Putting It All Together: Why Pick Sixes Matter
The Two-Sided Story
Pick sixes tell a story about both offense and defense. On offense, timing, spacing, decision-making, and trust must align. On defense, anticipation, disguise, and execution come together in a flash. When something breaks down on offense or when defense guesses right at the perfect moment, the ball can go the other way for six points. Football is a game of inches and seconds, and a pick six compresses that reality into one sprint to the goal line.
How to Watch for One on Game Day
As you watch a game, notice down-and-distance, formations, and defensive alignment. On third-and-short, look for corners playing tight and ready to jump quick outs. If a quarterback is under heavy pressure, be aware of rushed throws to the flat. If a defense shows zone, keep an eye on defenders with eyes on the quarterback. When the ball comes out late to the sideline, that is the classic window for a pick six.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly what a pick six is and why fans go crazy when it happens. It is an interception returned for a touchdown, worth six points and often worth much more in momentum and confidence. You have learned how defenders create them with preparation and quick reactions, how offenses try to prevent them with timing and smart decisions, and how one play can redefine an entire game. Whether you are a new fan or someone brushing up on football terms, keep an eye on short, risky throws, disguised coverages, and defenders breaking on the ball. The next time an announcer shouts “Pick six!” you will understand not just what happened, but why it happened—and why it matters so much.