Jeff Locke Donates $10,000 To VA Medical Center
By Adam Carlson
Aug 9, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings punter Jeff Locke (12) punts during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
After Jeff Locke was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft (#155 overall), he was given the option to choose what number he wanted to wear for the team. Locke chose the #12 jersey. That number was previously worn by former Vikings (now Seahawks) wide receiver Percy Harvin.
He wore the #12 jersey until the Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Josh Freeman. Freeman wanted that number and offered Locke $10,000 to buy the rights to it. Locke accepted the offer and changed his jersey number to 18.
Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings punter Jeff Locke (18) punts to the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Panthers win 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Nothing else much has been made of that until now, when it was discovered that Jeff Locke doesn’t plan on keeping that money. Instead, he will be donating the money to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center during a visit to the facilities on Tuesday, November 12th. Locke won’t be the only Viking there. He will be with many Minnesota Vikings players, including center John Sullivan, cornerback A.J. Jefferson, tight end Rhett Ellison, safety Brandon Bishop, and defensive end Justin Trattou.
It is always nice to see a player be generous and give to a great cause. Especially a young player like Jeff Locke to show his respect for a great cause and follow through on going something for others.