This mixed-methods study investigated whether playing the video game "Madden NFL" can: (a) assist someone in learning about American football, and (b) influence someone wanting to watch or play American football. International university students with little knowledge of the sport were randomly assigned into the control group (CG) (n = 22) or experimental group (EG) (n = 18). Both groups first completed an American football questionnaire and pre-test regarding the rules, field layout, terminology, official signals, and player positions of the sport. The EG then played "Madden NFL" two times per week (30 minutes each) for four weeks. Next, both groups took the same questionnaire and post-test, with the EG also performing a one-hour focus group session. Findings indicated that playing "Madden NFL" increased total American football knowledge, specifically regarding field layout and player positions, and facilitated intentions to want to watch or play the sport in an authentic environment.