Super Bowl parties are usually about the food or the football. If you’re rooting for one of the teams, you’re going to be glued to the tube more than the buffet table.

At the Bledsoes’ house in Bend, the game and the grub are both important.

Former NFL quarterback and Bend resident Drew Bledsoe concentrates on the game, no matter who’s playing. “I love the Super Bowl because it’s the biggest game in America’s most popular sport. It seems like a lifetime ago that I played in the game, but it was an amazing experience,” he told us.

A two-time Super Bowl veteran, Drew had 14 seasons in the NFL, playing for the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys.

He retired in 2007 and moved to Bend with his family. Drew and Maura Bledsoe now pursue business ventures, which include Doubleback Winery in Walla Walla, Wash., and many community projects.

The Bledsoes like to hold a Super Bowl potluck party every year, inviting about 10 families over to their house in The Highlands at Broken Top.

Maura Bledsoe loves to cook, but forgoes her usual healthy fare for classic Super Bowl-style dip, wings and chili.

“It’s easy food — absolutely disgusting, what’s in it — but everybody loves it,” she said with a laugh. (See recipes.)

The Bledsoes’ four children, Stu, 14, John, 12, Henry, 11 and Healy, 8, play with their friends while the adults gather around the game — sort of.

“I really, truly do not care about the football game. I’m there for the social (element) and the food and the drinks. I’m happy we’re the house everybody comes to. Our older kids take our friends’ younger kids downstairs to play. Everyone hangs out, snacks, and it’s mellow and fun,” Maura said.

Drew Bledsoe, who was able to attend the Patriots’ playoff win over the Baltimore Ravens, will be rooting for his old team come Sunday.

“I’ll be pulling for the Patriots, but I think it will be a close game. The Giants are playing great football right now.” His prediction? The Patriots will win it 31-24.

Bledsoe says he will skip attending the Super Bowl. “We already have plans for the weekend. I’ll certainly be watching, though.” On Sunday, friends will gather at the Bledsoes’ house about a half hour before kickoff.

A few friendly wagers usually take place before the game starts, and people will snack all afternoon, Maura told us.

She hadn’t heard that the half-time entertainer this year is Madonna. “Madonna? She’s always entertaining to watch. That’ll be great. I also like the commercials!” Maura said.

The Bledsoes are into all kinds of sports, not just football. Maura plays some women’s soccer. The kids participate in football, basketball, lacrosse and golf. Fantasy football is a hobby that all of the Bledsoe men enjoy.

Maura is on the board of the Family Access Network in Bend, and told us that when her guys are watching football games, it’s an opportunity for her and her daughter, Healy, to go out and enjoy some time together.

On Super Bowl Sunday, though, the whole family will focus on football, in between noshing at their party.

“The biggest thing that’s fun about the Super Bowl is a good game. Like any sport, it’s fun to watch a good competition, for sure,” Maura said.