Paymah was last signed to the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Paymah has also been a member of the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, and the Houston Texans While attending Culver City High School in Culver City, California, Paymah was a two-sport standout in both football and track.

Karl Paymah attended Washington State University and was a letterman in football.

In football, he ended his career there with three interceptions, 129 tackles, and 21 pass deflections.

Paymah signed with the Minnesota Vikings on March 14, 2009; the deal was reportedly worth $1.55 million for one year.