Because Josh Freeman got No. 12, the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis is getting $10,000.

When the quarterback signed with the Vikings on Oct. 7, he offered rookie punter Jeff Locke $10,000 to give up his No. 12. Locke said yes and switched to No. 18, but with the understanding the money would go to charity.

On Tuesday, the day after Veterans Day, Locke will present a $10,000 check to the VA Medical Center for recreation room improvements.

“It’s really cool,” Freeman said. “A lot of times there’s a certain fee paid to get a certain number off a guy. But (Locke) was really cool. He said, ‘Let’s just do something for charity.’ It’s definitely a great cause.”

Freeman had worn No. 12 at Grandview (Mo.) High School. He wanted that number when he played for Kansas State and for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but never could get it because it was taken.

“I was like, ‘Dude, let me know. I’ve been trying to get that number forever,’ ” Freeman, who wore No. 5 with the Buccaneers from 2009 until early this season, said about the $10,000 offer to Locke. “Then, when I finally get it, the money goes to charity. The credit goes all to him.”

Freeman said he will visit the VA Medical Center along with Locke. Other Vikings scheduled to attend are center John Sullivan, cornerback A.J. Jefferson, tight end Rhett Ellison, defensive end Justin Trattou and safety Brandon Bishop.

Follow Chris Tomasson at twitter.com/christomasson