While visiting Mission Control, Tagliabue spoke with the Expedition Eight crew of Mike Foale and Alexander Kaleri as they worked in the Destiny science module of the ISS.
The two-person crew have been in space since April and are scheduled to return home in October.
"This is a very unique occasion for me," Tagliabue told the crew of one American and one Russian -- and then wondered how Foale explains the Superbowl to Kaleri.
"The Superbowl must be the grandest and greatest sports event on the planet," Foale said. "I think it's a very American phenomenon."
The commissioner also wondered if either crewmember had dreamt when they were children of flying in space some day -- not unlike many young men hope they can play in the NFL.
"We're very aware of how fortunate our lives have turned out for us," Foale said, explaining that he and Kaleri shared many of the same thoughts growing up. "Things that motivate children and motivate people to do things are very, very common, no matter how or where you grow up."
Tagliabue was clearly impressed by the whole visit.
"You are an inspiration for all of us, both of you are," he said. "We have a platform for our entertainment, but I think it's important for us to use that to inspire young people to achieve way beyond entertainment, to science and engineering and medicine."
"I can assure you that today's visit will become part of our efforts to let millions of young Americans and others know that there are better things to do than playing football. And the two of you are doing some of those things."
Foale agreed, but offered that there's room for both football and such things as math and science.
"We always have to do things with a good balance," Foals said. "And playing football promotes tremendous teamanship; it provides entertainment for many, many, many people; and it provides relaxation. It also develops physical fitness, which is extremely important."
"At the same time, you're right," Foale said. "The balance with technical subjects is essential."
The Expedition Eight crew -- who are to send a trash-filled Progress into Earth's atmosphere on Wednesday in anticipation of fresh supplies arriving Saturday -- said they would be following the Superbowl on Sunday.
Officially the crew wouldn't take sides for the game, but Tagliabue said that won't be a problem.
"If you don't mind," Tagliabue told Foale, "we'll say that you are rooting for the Patriots and that Alexander is rooting for the Panthers, because I have to tell the two quarterbacks and coaches that both of you were neutral."
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