Last updated on October 28th, 2023 at 10:40 am
A “Pick Six” occurs when a defensive player intercepts a forward pass and returns the ball for a touchdown in American football. A Pick six is one of the most exciting plays in football and can completely shift the momentum of a game.
What Does a Pick Six Play Look Like During a Game?
The most important part of a Pick Six is the extra points scored after the defense returns the ball for a touchdown. However, a few other important aspects of this play make it an exciting event in a game.
After a defensive player catches the ball, there’s often a huge transition on the team as the defensive line starts blocking the offensive team to clear a path for the player with the ball. Meanwhile, the opposing team has to try to intervene and stop the run.
After a Pick Six, the team that scored (the defensive team on the previous play) will kick the ball to the opposing team, giving them a second attempt at a scoring drive.
What is a Pick Two?
The Pick Two only became possible in the NFL after a rule change in the 2015-2016 season. Before that, this was only possible in college football. Defensive two-point conversions are fascinating events that can turn the tide in close football games. A few games in NFL history have won on a defensive two-point conversion, making these particularly influential plays.
A Pick Two is crucial because they get the ball back after the defensive team scores, just as they would after a successful two-point conversion. This Pick Two results in back-to-back scoring opportunities for one side, which makes it impactful during a game.
In 2016, Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive back Eric Berry was the first player to complete a pick two. He recovered a ball thrown by Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons. Previous to the play, the Chiefs were down 27-28. The extra two points were enough to push them to a victory.
Conclusion about Pick 6 in Football
A Pick 6 is an interception that a defensive player returns for a touchdown. It’s one of the most exciting plays and can help a team shift momentum or get extra points that can help them win a football game. While it’s often confused with an interception, it’s essential to know that a play is only a Pick Six if it’s returned for extra points.
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Greg Kristan, owner of The Stadium Reviews, LLC and TM Blast, LLC, brings his extensive experience visiting over half of the MLB ballparks, along with numerous MLS, NHL, NBA, and NFL venues, to provide in-depth coverage on the bag policy, food options, and parking. He has also been interviewed about his experiences on several sports podcasts.