NELSONVILLE, Ohio — On Sept. 11, Hocking College freshman Caden Cox made history as the first person with Down syndrome to play, as well as score a point, in an NCAA or NJCAA college football game. 

What You Need To Know

  • Caden Cox made history as the first person with Down syndrome to play in an NCAA or NJCAA college football game

  • He was the first player with Down syndrome to score a point in an NCAA or NJCAA game as well

  • He also became the first Hocking College athlete to sign a Name, Image and Likeness deal

  • Cox has a strong following on social media, too

It's a moment forever etched in the mind of Caden and his father, and special teams coach, Kevin Cox. 

“He goes out in practice every day, does his thing. I wasn't even nervous to be honest, because I knew he was going to make that kick,” said Kevin Cox.

It was a touching moment for his teammates as well, who have fully embraced him as one of the guys. 

“Even since the spring, I've been told he's going to get back there and kick and I've been waiting for the day when he finally does,” said Garrison Wheatley, an offensive lineman. “And when he did it was just, like, no way that actually just happened.” 

Caden has played varsity football since high school, and his brother, Zane, also a former kicker at Hocking College is his mentor. 

“He told me, I'm so happy for you. Wow, it was awesome,” said Caden Cox. 

The team is 3-2 on the season, but its three-man kicking staff is perfect on field goals, and 17-17 on extra points. 

“He comes out with a high energy, wants to do great, and wants to bring people along with him,” said Hocking College Coach Ted Egger. 

@kickinitwithcaden

Football countdown 🏈 104 days till kick-off! ##wherescadencox ##duet ##FYP ##hockingcollege

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Caleb is also very active on social media, in fact, his TikTok account has more than 300,000 followers. He recently signed a Name, Image and Likeness contract to represent Rocky Brands, becoming the first Hocking College athlete to sign a NIL deal.

When he's not on the football field, he enjoys Taekwondo, playing drums and guitar and is a gold-medalist swimmer. 

But most of all, family and friends alike, want people to realize, that despite one's disability, realizing a dream is possible. 

“We really look at it like it's an ability vs a disability,” said Kevin Cox. “It's great just seeing the kids with inclusion and all of that nowadays, including Caden into this program it's awesome.”  

“Stay focused, we're going to win, always be a Hawks,” said Caden Cox. 

Caden's journey and TikTok page may be followed here.