21 Down Kicks Off Filming in Georgia A Groundbreaking Sports Film Based on the Historic Journey of Caden CoxFirst College Football Player With Down Syndrome to Score in a Game

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Alisa Bay

847-337-5970

alisagbay@yahoo.com

ATLANTA, GA (February 2026) - Filming is underway in Atlanta for the feature film 21 Down, a powerful sports drama inspired by the remarkable true story of Caden Cox, the first known college football player with Down syndrome to both compete in and score in a college football game. Principal photography is

running January 20 through February 24, 2026, exclusively across Georgia, including Covington, Buford and the University of Georgia stadium.

Caden’s journey is one of grit, heart, and barrier-breaking achievement. As a kicker for the Hocking College Hawks, he made history on September 11, 2021, when he entered a game against Sussex Community College and successfully kicked an extra point - becoming the first individual with Down syndrome to play in an

NJCAA football game and score. His performance earned national attention and inspired fans, athletes, and advocates alike, celebrating what is possible when inclusion meets opportunity. 

From high school varsity football to college competition, Caden’s commitment to his craft - training alongside teammates, mastering his kicking skills, and staying mentally strong - became an iconic moment in college sports. His jersey, No. 21, symbolizes the 21st chromosome associated with Down syndrome and stands as a bold reminder of his journey’s impact. 

The film brings this breakthrough athletic story to life with an accomplished cast led by Dashiell Meier as Caden, Emmy-award nominated actress Ashley Judd as his mother, Mari and Dylan Walsh as his father, Kevin. The ensemble also includes Christopher Convery as Caden’s brother, Zane, Richard T. Jones as Coach Decker, Moira Kelly as Ms. Barr, Nia Vardalos as Aunt Robbie, Joshua Malina as Principal Struthers, and Max Adler as Assistant Coach Daley, with remaining casting updates forthcoming.

Directed by Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer, Spare Parts, The Miracle Season, The King's Daughter and Reagan), 21 Down blends dramatic storytelling with authentic sports energy and emotional resonance. Members of the production team, including Ashley Judd (executive producer), Andrew Sugerman (producer), Melissa Bickerton (executive producer), Jay Paul Deratany (writer and producer), Christian Sebaldt (cinematographer) and Danny DaVila (production designer), will be on location throughout filming and will be available for select interviews. The film underscores themes of athletic determination, community support, and the evolving landscape of inclusion in modern sports.

Throughout the Atlanta shoot, 21 Down will offer community involvement opportunities, including the casting of local extras. The 21 Down production team has partnered with Anthony Shriver’s Best Buddies organization, a worldwide movement focusing on inclusion and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their full potential. Several best buddies from the Atlanta chapter will be serving as extras

on the film.

For more information on 21 Down, visit www.21downthemovie.com. Photos, biographies, and additional background materials are available upon request.