Connector receptacles having protective structures for connector contacts. One example may provide a connector receptacle having one or more contacts that are reinforced with a protective piece around a portion of the contact. Another example may provide a connector receptacle having two or more contacts reinforced with adjacent protective pieces to provide additional protective reinforcement. Another example may provide a connector receptacle having two or more contacts reinforced with interlocking protective pieces. These protective pieces may protect contacts in a connector receptacle from damage when a device, module, or connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle at an oblique angle, when a device, module, or insert is stressed while in the receptacle, or when a device, module, or insert is removed from the receptacle at an oblique angle.