Xavier Ayers participating in an art class at Western New Mexico UniversitySilver City, NM - It was November of 2015 and Xavier Ayers was at the end of a record-breaking season with the Western New Mexico University Mustang football team.

His first two years playing as a wide receiver were accompanied with injuries including a torn left and right AC joint in his shoulder. His desire to continue majoring in business was fading and returning to the football field seemed unlikely.

"I wanted to go in a new direction so I turned to photography," said Ayers. "Deciding to focus on the arts was a domino effect and one thing led to another."

With a new focus for his junior year, Ayers returned to football and changed his area of study to fine arts. Success both on and off the field quickly followed the 22-year-old Santa Fe native. Ayers recently completed a mural at The Stache House, a popular downtown barbershop in downtown Albuquerque.

"I've always like to draw but painting was something that seemed out of reach," said Ayers. "Once I signed up for the class and learned about painting, I felt like I could relax and be myself."

The mural features four American presidents including Barack Obama who is painted receiving a line up.

Over the last year, Ayers' artistic talent developed in the classroom while he was setting records in yards and reception as a football player. As he earned accolades and praise from athletic friends and competitors, his decision to major in fine arts, with an emphasis in painting and photography, was met with puzzling minds.

"I get questions from people asking me why I'm an art major and they wonder how I will make money," said Ayers. "But when football is over and I'm in the studio, I never feel out of place. I'm not a football player there, I'm an artist like everyone else in the room."

Ayers hopes that his choice to enter the art world will be an inspiration for other student-athletes who may find it challenging to transition from life on the field.

"When I was faced with injuries, I realized that football could be over sooner rather than later," said Ayers. "It motivated me to figure out what to do with my life and I was able to focus on my art degree and what was important for my future."

Now that he is entering his senior year, Ayers is planning for success both as an athlete and an artist. He was recently commissioned to create a second mural in Albuquerque, and he's looking forward to pushing his art career into the fast lane following his final season as a Mustang football player.

"Painting is challenging and it has taught me a lot," said Ayers. "It has forced me to be patient and I feel like I could be myself."