Like in other football games, the player must run, pass, and/or kick a ball across a regulation field spanning 100 yards (91 m) in order to score points.

Weather conditions would vary, making the game have an element of realism that manipulates the football and the players.

[3] Chris Berman's voice was provided as the announcer of every game that the player participated in.

However, the names of the individual players are not used due to the development company not being able to acquire the full NFLPA license.

Reviewing the Genesis version, GamePro commented that ESPN Sunday Night NFL "lacks the well-crafted execution of Madden '95 or any number of other football games."