Twitter Watch 2/15: The NFC East Reacts to Jeremy Lin and 'Linsanity'

With the NFL season over, everyone is searching for the next big sports phenomenon, and it has arrived in the form of "Linsanity." The story of Jeremy Lin, the New York Knicks back-up point guard, has grown exponentially as his success has continued—sound familiar? It should.

Some of the biggest names in the NFC East couldn't help but get caught up in it.

I'm not sure exactly where Giants defensive end Justin Tuck was going with this one:

"

His mama called him Jeremy ima call him Jeremy. #LINsanity

— Justin Tuck (@JustinTuckNYG91) February 15, 2012"

Tuck was far from the only one chiming in on the rising star in the NBA.

Professional athletes understand what the craze can be like better than most. Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan shared his thoughts:

"

Jeremy Lin's head must be spinning like crazy, so much happening so fast for him! Pretty cool story

— Ryan Kerrigan (@RyanKerrigan91) February 15, 2012"

He can relate. It was just over a year ago that Kerrigan's head was "spinning like crazy" as he was announced as the 16th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Kerrigan responded to the pressure by turning out a solid rookie season, and thus far, Lin has done the same, hitting a game-winning three-pointer against the Raptors on Tuesday night.

The Linsanity continues with Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel, who may have put it the best of anyone when he pointed out an obvious parallel:

"

Jeremy Lin is the new Tebow of basketball.

— Asante Samuel (@Thepresidentcb) February 15, 2012"

Well, let's see:

Hype: check.

Sudden emergence of an unexpected star: check.

More hype: check.

A catchy nickname for the hype (Tebowmania/Linsanity): check.

Religion: check.

More hype: checkmate.

Sounds like Tebowmania to me.

Cowboys receiver Jesse Holley would know a thing or two about a meteoric rise to fame, and though he's not sold on Lin just yet, he admits his intrigue:

"

"@pwork21: @Mr4thAndLong LINSANITY IS STILL IN EFFECT BRUH" still waiting for melo's return but Lin has me watching!

— Jesse Holley(@Mr4thAndLong) February 15, 2012"

Whatever happens for Jeremy Lin down the road, we're sure his story will be closely watched in the sports world and every second of the "Linsanity" will be chronicled by avid Tweeters and traditional media alike.

Follow @ErikFrenz