The story of John Madden Football revolves around the simulation of a football match between two teams, each trying to score points by carrying or throwing the ball into the opponent's goal. The game's focus is on strategy and team management rather than fast-paced action.
Gameplay in John Madden Football involves controlling players on both teams, making tactical decisions such as passing, tackling, and scoring. Players can be controlled individually or by using a combination of button presses to execute a series of actions. The game's pace is slower compared to other sports simulations, allowing for more strategic play.