Patrick Mahomes, fresh off his second consecutive Super Bowl triumph, steps into the spotlight once again. This time, it’s not just the end zone he’s dominating. But the pages of TIME magazine’s TIME 100 Most Influential People list, for the second consecutive year. Being featured among this elite roster signifies more than just glory. It solidifies Mahomes’ status as one of the globe’s most impactful individuals.

It’s not just the Kansas City Chiefs‘ victories that are stacking up. Mahomes just proved that his impact stretches far beyond his athletic prowess. And as the QB reveals in his conversation with TIME, his aspirations and inspirations reach as high as his passes.

Patrick Mahomes’ blueprint for sporting greatness

Patrick Mahomes’ journey is as much about diamond dreams as it is about pigskin prowess. Growing up in the shadow of major league clubhouses, Mahomes didn’t just inherit athleticism from his father, Pat Mahomes Sr. Rather a dual-sport legacy that transcends generations. Mahomes revealed the impact baseball had on shaping his character, work ethic, and approach to sports as a whole. “One thousand percent, baseball was my first love,” he says.

Reflecting on his father’s tenure in the MLB, particularly with the Texas Rangers alongside legends like Alex Rodriguez. Mahomes recalls the lessons learned. Witnessing Alex’s relentless dedication to the fundamentals, even amidst towering achievements, left an indelible mark. It was a lesson in humility, in the relentless pursuit of excellence, even when standing atop the pinnacle of success.

“I hated when my dad made me hit off a tee,” says Mahomes. “I’m like, ‘I just want you to throw it to me.’ I go watch Alex Rodriguez, he’s leading the league in home runs, and he’s hitting off the tee every single day. It taught me that even whenever I get to where I want to get to, I can’t let the fundamentals slip. I can’t stop working and doing the little things. That’s what makes people great.”

As Mahomes strides down the path paved by his idol. It’s evident that he’s not just achieving greatness; he’s embodying it.

Alex Rodriguez’s tribute to Mahomes’ prowess

Just like Mahomes, Alex Rodriguez also reserves high praise for the QB. Rodriguez reminisced about young Mahomes with TIME. “Patrick Mahomes has always had the heart of a champion. I remember Pat as a young kid, coming to practice with his dad to tee up baseballs for me and my teammates. I distinctly remember giving him the worst advice ever. ‘Don’t play football. The money’s in baseball.’ I’m happy to be wrong and glad he didn’t listen… Patrick’s legacy will live on far beyond his playing days. And—as evidenced by his back-to-back Super Bowl wins—he’s not done yet!”

With back-to-back Super Bowl triumphs on his resume, Mahomes emerges as the undisputed titan of his realm. His mantle gleams with two Super Bowl rings, twin Super Bowl MVP honors, and the coveted NFL MVP crown. In the grand theater of professional sports, few can rival the meteoric rise and sustained excellence of Patrick Mahomes.