"I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning I figured I'd just press record and let you guys know first," he said in a video message on Feb. 1. "I won't be long-winded, you only get one super emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year."

He continued, "So, I really thank you guys, so much, to every single one of you for supporting me. My family, my friends, my teammates, my competitors, I could go on forever, there's too many."

Tom concluded his emotional announcement by thanking his fans for "allowing me to live my absolute dream."

He added, "I wouldn't change a thing. Love you all."