Each January, roughly 45 percent of Americans set New Year’s resolutions.

The start of every New Year brings with it a sense of optimism. A hope for change. An anticipation of improvement.

That’s the beauty of New Year’s – anything is possible. It’s a new beginning.

Likewise, in the Arena Football League – where every contract lasts only one year – every season is a fresh start.

For teams, that means every offseason offers the challenges of some sort of rebuilding period.

And for players, one-year contracts provide a unique opportunity to test the waters of free agency each offseason.

For example, after a disappointing follow-up to a season in which he was named ArenaBowl XXIII MVP, Kyle Rowley left Spokane earlier this offseason to be reunited with Head Coach Chris Siegfried as the new quarterback of the Pittsburgh Power.

In similar fashion, despite a year of outstanding individual success in New Orleans, 2011 JLS Ironman of the Year, PJ Berry, also decided to take his talents to the Steel City with high hopes of putting it all together in 2012.

In fact, nearly 600 transactions have been made since the offseason officially kicked off in September. Needless to say, many players have been on the move and scouting departments have had their hands full.

“Those Directors of Personnel have brought in some good guys for their teams,” newly-assigned Milwaukee Mustangs defensive back Justin Hannah said.

And while the folks in personnel are looking for the right players to fill out their rosters, players are looking for the right destinations to showcase their abilities.

Some players, like San Jose’s Huey Whittaker and San Antonio’s Chad Cook, have taken the opportunity to call many towns “home” in their Arena Football careers. Whittaker, now entering his sixth year as an AFL receiver, is on his fourth team in as many seasons, while Cook now joins his third team in three years, as well.

Other players are taking the chance provided to go back to where their careers began, like original Ironmen Derek Lee and Jason Geathers, who have been assigned to Georgia and San Jose, respectively, for the upcoming season.

Still, many – like Hannah – are simply looking for the right place to shine.

“Milwaukee just seemed to be a great opportunity for me,” Hannah said. “The city’s very nice, the fans are good, it’s a great coaching staff and they believe in defense.”

Hannah, now entering his second AFL season, began last year with the Tampa Bay Storm before joining the suddenly defensive back-needy Chicago Rush in May.

“My time in Tampa Bay was spent learning the system and learning the game,” Hannah remembered. “I was taught the fundamentals and techniques and when I went to the Chicago Rush, I was able to display them.”

In his very first game with the Rush, the 5-foot-9, 185 pound Tuskegee grad intercepted a Justin Allgood pass, which set up a key score in Chicago’s 49-48 victory over the Tulsa Talons.

It was just the debut anticipated by the former Division II National Player of the Year.

“It was everything I expected” Hannah said. “I expected it to be a challenge and a learning experience.”

Hannah saw action in nine games with the Rush last season and started four of the final five matchups. After finishing 2011 with 29.5 tackles and three interceptions, he says he expects big things from his sophomore campaign and hopes Milwaukee is the right spot for him.

“Coming in as a rookie, all you really know is the field is shorter and the game is faster,” Hannah said. “This year, I’m going to step into the season with the mindset to win an ArenaBowl.”

ArenaBowl XXV is certainly on the minds of every Arena Football League player and coach as the offseason draws to a close and the 2012 season inches closer. The desire to hoist the Foster Trophy in August is exactly the reason for all the offseason moves.

“It’s going to be a challenge every week,” Hannah said. “In our division alone, Cleveland will be defending their title and Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have loaded up and they’ll be battling too. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

That’s what the New Year is all about. New challenges. New opportunities. And a fresh start.