MIAMI -- University of Miami defensive end Rusty Medearis, who risked amputation by returning to the field this season, ended his football career Thursday.

Medearis, 23, of Ozark, Mo., who suffered an extensive left knee injury in 1992, was considered the top defensive end in the nation by College and Pro Football Weekly magazine after his sophomore year, the Hurricanes' 1991 national championship season.

Said coach Dennis Erickson: "He could have continued to play, but he's the only one who can judge the pain he was going through. He was a step slow, but we expected that."