A fiber optic connector insert for a connector may include a housing to be received within a passageway of a connector body, a circuit board extending longitudinally within the housing and having opposing first and second ends, and a first base and first electrically conductive pins carried thereby. The first electrically conductive pins may be coupled to the circuit board adjacent the first end thereof. The fiber optic connector insert may also include an opto-electronic (O/E) converter having a second base and second electrically conductive pins extending outwardly therefrom. The second electrically conductive pins may be coupled to the circuit board adjacent the second end thereof.