NFL (USA) for the NES likely provides a simplified version of American Football. Gameplay likely involved managing a team, calling plays, and scoring touchdowns. Given the limitations of the NES hardware, the graphics and gameplay would be relatively simple compared to modern football games.  The publisher would likely hold the rights to use the NFL branding in their game. It's a title indicative of the types of licensed sports games available on the system during its era. 

NFL (USA)

New Year Mario 2023