Joe Montana: Kaepernick 'doesn't talk to a lot of the guys'

If anyone knows how to be a successful San Francisco 49ers quarterback, it's Joe Montana.

The Niners' current controversy under center doesn't share much of the same talent-versus-talent conundrum Montana had with fellow Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young.

San Francisco looks to be leaning towards Blaine Gabbert being named their starter with rumors of Colin Kaepernick requesting a trade and reports of an unhealthy relationship with the front office.

"(The quarterback) is usually the leader of the team in most cases. And people look to (Kaepernick) at this point, and he's a quiet person. You know, he doesn't share a lot, he doesn't talk to a lot of the guys," Montana told Sports Illustrated. "And that's difficult for an offense to operate because the communication between the quarterback and the receiver is one of the most important things.

"Even with your offensive line, when there's problems, you have to be able to talk to those guys and figure it out while you're out on the field. And when you have a guy who doesn't really want to be there, you don't know whether to put yourself behind him or not. And you want to believe in him, but if he doesn't want to be there then - I'm sure they did everything they could to try and get him to some place he'd be happy because it would be best for both teams."

Montana's former teammate Jerry Rice told Sports Illustrated in April that he also believes it's difficult for teammates to play with Kaepernick because "he doesn't want to be there."

Kaepernick is recovering from three offseason shoulder surgeries and has yet to fully resume throwing, giving Gabbert plenty of time to warm up to teammates and get comfortable in Chip Kelly's offense.