Pick-six

What is a pick-six in football?

An interception returned for a touchdown

In football, a "pick-six" is when the defense catches a pass from the offense and then returns it to the opponent's end zone for a touchdown (TD) to score six points. It is unclear who coined the term, but it dates back to the 1980s (possibly earlier) and comes from the combination of "pick" (the term for an interception) and "six" (the number of points scored from the touchdown).

Any player on the defense may record a pick-six, but defensive backs (cornerbacks or safeties) typically get them since they are often responsible for guarding receivers who catch passes. Defensive linemen and linebackers may also return a pick for a touchdown (large defensive linemen pick-sixes are especially entertaining).

On the other side of the ball, QBs are typically the offensive players that throw pick-sixes. It is one of the biggest mistakes a QB can make since it gives the opponent a quick touchdown and can vastly change the game's momentum.

Commentators, fans, and players may use pick-six online, in texts, or in real life (iterations include "pick 6," "pick six," and pick-6"). For example, a football fan may complain online, "I can't believe Love threw another pick-six. He's killing the team!" Or, an NFL commentator may say, "Diggs' pick-six gives the Cowboys an early lead!"

Example

I love it when a defensive tackle makes a pick-six. It's so entertaining watching them run
Bet. It's impressive
Post about a pick-six for the Dolphins
Post about a pick-six for the Dolphins

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Updated December 12, 2023

Pick-six definition by Slang.net

This page explains what the slang term "Pick-six" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

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