Manuel James Jemail (September 12, 1893 – July 26, 1978) was a writer-photographer for The Daily News, a veteran of the United States Navy, and an American football player.

After being sidelined by an injury his first year, he transferred to Brown University where he started as a quarterback and halfback and played in the 1916 Rose Bowl.

He was made inquiring photographer just thirty minutes after being hired as a security guard, when the paper's editor "decided that any former Navy officer and Ivy League football player who would take an $8 a week job should also make a hard-nosed newsman".

[7] Jemail worked for The Daily News as a writer-photographer for 52 years and would interview "presidents, premiers, royalty, the rich, the famous, the ordinary and the bums".

"[9] President Richard Nixon called Jemail's column one of the most widely read in New York City.