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Playboy Model's Second Act: Head Sommelier for NFL Team
27 Sep
Summary
- Former Playboy model Sandra Taylor now leads the wine program for the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Taylor's career shift was influenced by her friendship with Anna Nicole Smith.
- She attributes her modeling start to Smith's encouragement and connections.

Sandra Taylor, a former Playboy cover model from the '90s, is now the head sommelier for the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Her entry into modeling was significantly influenced by her friendship with Anna Nicole Smith. Taylor shared that Smith's makeup artist introduced them, and she even offered Smith a place to stay upon her arrival in Los Angeles. Smith later encouraged Taylor to explore a modeling opportunity with Playboy during its 40th-anniversary search.
Taylor had originally intended to pursue a career in mathematics, inspired by her father. However, his sudden death during her college years at SUNY Purchase led her to abandon her mathematical studies. She then pivoted towards a career in modeling, a choice that began with her Playboy feature.
Beyond modeling, Taylor developed a lasting friendship with Hugh Hefner, attending events at his home and even flying on his private jet. She also had notable experiences modeling romance novel covers with Fabio and worked with actors like Steven Seagal and Dan Aykroyd, who notably purchased her SAG card. Today, Taylor has rebuilt her life after losing her home and is proud of her diverse career, including her role in creating Raider Rosé.