The game's story mode features generic team names, as the game does not feature an NFL license. However, teams and stats are still based on the 1996 NFL season.
Gameplay-wise, Madden 97 offers various modes such as Exhibition, Season, Playoffs and Sudden Death. Thirty regular teams plus the traditional All-Madden team are available to play with. Players can enjoy features like selectable game length, freely definable audibles, flippable playbook, timeouts, and substitutions. The game also introduces new features unique to the Game Boy, including variable weather and injuries.