Breaking records and defying expectations, Caden Cox became the first person with Down syndrome to play and score in a collegiate football game. His story is now being brought to the big screen, starring Ashley Judd, Nia Vardalos, Dashiell Meier, and Richard T. Jones. We got a behind-the-scenes look at 21 Down and met Caden himself.
On set in Covington, Georgia, Caden’s story came alive as the production recreated his Midwest football journey. Producer Melissa Bickerton said filming in Georgia made sense: the state offered a great tax credit, and the location could convincingly stand in for the Midwest, warm enough to represent both autumn and spring. And California just wasn’t a fit.
Caden stayed tuned into filming—watching cameras, listening to playback, and meeting cast, crew, and extras. When asked how it felt to have a movie made about him, he said, “It’s part of my life and it’s awesome.” Bickerton described the moment Caden met the actor portraying him, Dashiell Meier, as “very emotional… It just made it very real for Caden and broke my heart open.”
The Cox family was present for two weeks of filming. Mari Cox reflected on her son’s journey: “It is a story about Caden’s life, which has been a journey for us ever since the doctor gave us the diagnosis that he would be born without his corpus callosum and septum as well as Down syndrome. He always wanted to do everything his brother did. He wanted to do all the things people told him he couldn’t do—and he proved them wrong.” Ashley Judd plays Caden’s mother and is a producer in the movie.
The family’s commitment to inclusion came with challenges. “There were times the football team would all say, ‘Hey, that’s our friend,’ but they’d never invite him to the parties… it wasn’t all glory. We had our challenges,” Mari says.
Caden’s brother, Zane Cox, says the film reflects years of perseverance. Football became a defining part of Caden’s life and still is, with his current role working with the Ohio State Buckeyes football program. About his skills on the field, Caden said, “It’s really part of my life to kick.”
The film is supported by Best Buddies International, which creates opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through friendship, employment, and leadership programs. As Bickerton explains, “they came on board as investors, partners and endorsed our movie, and we are thrilled to have them.”
21 Down is more than a movie—it’s a story of resilience, determination, and family. Between takes, Caden had a simple request: “Please watch this movie.” His brother Zane adds, “Today’s society, it’s all about me — a me, me, me thing — but there’s a Buddhist term called mudita, and it’s vicarious joy through other success, and that’s what I want people to see. Start looking at other people’s success and letting that fuel you and push you in your life, too.” Watch for 21 Down in theatres late 2026.