Pick-six
An interception returned for a touchdown
Example
I love it when a defensive tackle makes a pick-six. It's so entertaining watching them run
Bet. It's impressive
Related Slang
Pick | An interception |
int | Interception |
i | Interception |
def | Defense |
DST | Defense and Special Teams |
fum | Total fumbles |
FR | Fumble recovery |
d | Defense |
De-cleated | Hit very hard |
IDP | Individual defensive player |
td | Touchdown |
QB | Quarterback |
DB | Defensive back |
Bet | You bet |
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!"