Paxson was named All-Big Ten Conference following his senior season at Penn State University.
Paxson signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers shortly after the 2006 NFL draft, but was released during the preseason.
[2] On October 4, 2008, Paxson was promoted to the Steelers' active roster[3][4] and made his first regular season NFL appearance that week versus Jacksonville.
He was waived on October 18 when the team promoted offensive tackle Jeremy Parquet to the active roster.
Paxson played in all 16 games with the Cleveland Browns in 2011, recording 21 tackles (10 solo, 11 assists and 1 sack).