Minneapolis VA Health Care System

Minnesota Vikings punter Jeff Locke visits with Veterans at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Minnesota Vikings rookie punter Jeff Locke started out this season wearing the number 12.  Last month, the Vikings signed free agent quarterback Josh Freeman who approached Locke about the availability of #12, which is the number he wore in high school.  The agreement for the number swap, Locke's asking price of $10,000 made payable to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Compared to what some other athletes have asked for their number, Locke's price tag on #12 of $10,000 doesn't seem terribly high.  But the real story is Locke's idea to give the money to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center to help Veterans.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman and safety Brandan Bishop visits with a Veteran at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Locke and Freeman visited the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and were accompanied by teammates: center John Sullivan, tight end Rhett Ellison, defensive end Justin Trattou, and safety Brandan Bishop. 

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Josh Freeman and punter Jeff Locke present a $10,000 check to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

Following the check presentation, the players spent time with hospitalized Veterans.

The funds will help the recreation therapy program at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.

View all the photos of the visit on our Facebook page.