American Football

What is a Pick 6? One of the most exciting plays in football explained

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Defence turns to offense in rapid succession.

Football is a regimented game, with most players strictly sticking to their offensive or defensive roles.

But sometimes defence can turn into offense in a flash, and when it does it usually generates excitement as both teams scramble to adjust to the sudden switch.

Fumbles are a common occurence, with a player from the offensive team dropping the football and causing chaos as both teams look to recover the loose ball. Interceptions are also quite common, with cornerbacks the most likely to snag airborne passes meant for someone on the opposing side.

The rarest and most celebrated of these turnovers is the pick 6 (also written "pick six"). It can turn a game in an instant and is the stuff of a quarterback's nightmares.

Here's one of the most exciting plays in football explained.

What is a Pick 6?

Quite simply, a pick 6 occurs when an interception is made by a defensive player and subsequently returned for a touchdown.

The term comes from the usage of the word "pick" to describe an interception, and the six points that are awarded for a touchdown (prior to any extra points that the scoring team may attempt). It's a devastating defensive play because it swings momentum from the offensive team to the defensive team in the biggest of ways — the team that scores a pick 6 does so without its offensive players even touching the ball.

Which quarterback has thrown the most pick 6s?

This isn't exactly an honour that QBs strive for, but some of the biggest legends of the sport are among the pick 6 leaders.

The longevity of the all-time leaders' careers play the biggest part in their inclusion, naturally. After all, you can't throw too many interceptions without being on the field much.

All-time NFL QB pick six leaders (since 1950)

As of August 29, 2024.

Rank	Player	Pick 6
1	Brett Favre	32
2	Matthew Stafford	30
3	Dan Marino	29
4	Joe Namath	28
T-5	Drew Brees	27
T-5	Peyton Manning	27
7	Philip Rivers	25
T-8	Carson Palmer	23
T-8	Vinny Testaverde	23
T-10	Eli Manning	22
T-10	Norm Snead	22

Who has returned the most interception for touchdowns?

Unsurprisingly, this list is filled with a veritable "Who's Who" of the best defensive backs to ever play the game.

All-time NFL interception returns for touchdown leaders

As of August 29, 2024.

Rank	Player	TD
1	Rod Woodson	12
T-2	Darren Sharper	11
T-2	Charles Woodson	11
4	Aqib Talib	10
T-5	Ken Houston	9
T-5	Deion Sanders	9
T-5	Aeneas Williams	9
T-8	Eric Williams	8
T-8	Ronde Barber	8
T-8	Janoris Jenkins	8
T-8	Charles Tillman	8

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