Life in the old dog yet: Regis Philbin gives Bill Murray and David Letterman a run for their money in pre-Super Bowl hijinks

By Marissa Charles
Updated: 02:56 EST, 1 February 2012

They have a combined age of 205 but when TV veterans Regis Philbin, David Letterman and Bill Murray took to the New York streets to play football they looked like sprightly youngsters.

Eighty-year-old Philbin - who recently retired from the spotlight - gave the comedians a run for their money last night.

The former Live With Regis and Kelly presenter was on hand to help his friend celebrate his 30th anniversary in late night TV.

Working out: Regis Philbin was the referee outside the David Letterman Show last night as the host and Bill Murray indulged in a little pre-Super Bowl fun

Working out: Regis Philbin was the referee outside the David Letterman Show last night as the host and Bill Murray indulged in a little pre-Super Bowl fun

He was referee to Murray's football player as they got involved in a bit of pre-Super Bowl hijinks.

Wearing pinstripes, a shirt and a tie, Letterman looked a little out of place when he held the ball steady so the former Saturday Night Live star could give it a kick.

Like a good sportsman, he stretched and limbered up before taking on the task.

Taking one for the team: Murray and Letterman got looked like they enjoyed the stunt that was filmed outside the Ed Sullivan Theater

Taking one for the team: Murray and Letterman got looked like they enjoyed the stunt that was filmed outside the Ed Sullivan Theater

Celebration: Letterman looked fit and healthy as he marked his 30th anniversary in late night TV with his very first guest from 1982, Bill Murray
Celebration: Letterman looked fit and healthy as he marked his 30th anniversary in late night TV with his very first guest from 1982, Bill Murray

Celebration: Letterman looked fit and healthy as he marked his 30th anniversary in late night TV with his very first guest from 1982, Bill Murray

That smile: Letterman is known for his toothy grin and sharp wit

That smile: Letterman is known for his toothy grin and sharp wit

Philbin jumped for joy after Murray's fancy footwork.

The native New Yorker ran up to his friends, hugged them and wished them well.

Letterman and Philbin - both former heart surgery patients - looked fit and healthy during the fun that comes days before the Super Bowl takes place at the weekend.

It was a fitting tribute by two of Letterman's old friends.

Philbin has been on the Late Show with David Letterman 43 times since that programme first aired on CBS in 1993.

On February 1, 1982 Murray was the comedian's first guest on his first major talk show venture, Late Night With David Letterman, which aired on NBC.

In 1993 the funnyman moved to the CBS network and began the similarly titled Late Show With David Letterman.

The Indiana native expected to present The Tonight Show on NBC after veteran host Johnny Carson retired in 1992.

However, the plum role went to Jay Leno. The two talk show hosts have been rivals ever since.

Limbering up: Murray sets the stage before he kicks the football

Limbering up: Murray sets the stage before he kicks the football

Excitement: Murray and Letterman are engrossed after the Groundhog Day star kicks the football

Excitement: Murray and Letterman are engrossed after the Groundhog Day star kicks the football

Someone's happy: Philbin seemed in good spirits during the TV sketch

Someone's happy: Philbin seemed in good spirits during the TV sketch

Good game: Like good sportsmen, the TV stars congratulate each other after Murray's kick

Good game: Like good sportsmen, the TV stars congratulate each other after Murray's kick

Friends: The former Saturday Night Live star and the one time Live With Regis and Kelly presenter chat on their way back to the studio

Friends: The former Saturday Night Live star and the one time Live With Regis and Kelly presenter chat on their way back to the studio

In civilian clothes: Murray and Philbin as they usually look when they're not playing football in the street
In civilian clothes: Murray and Philbin as they usually look when they're not playing football in the street

In civilian clothes: Murray and Philbin as they usually look when they're not playing football in the street


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